Sebastian Vettel stunned the Hungarian Grand Prix paddock with the announcement on Thursday that he would be calling time on his illustrious career at the end of the 2022 season.
Vettel announced his retirement in a poignant video posted on his newly-created Instagram channel.
Vettel: “Being a racing driver has never been my sole identity
Sebastian Vettel: “I hereby announce my retirement from Formula 1 by the end of the 2022 season. Probably I should start with a long list of people to thank now, but I feel it is more important to explain the reasons behind my decision. I love this sport, it has been central to my life since I can remember.”
“But as much as there’s life on track, there’s my life off track too. Being a racing driver has never been my sole identity. I very much believe in identity by who we are and how we treat others, rather than what we do.
Vettel: "My goals have shifted."
“Committing to my passion the way I did and the way I think is right, no longer goes side-by-side with my wish to be a great father and husband. The energy it takes to become one with the car and the team, to chase perfection, takes focus and commitment.
“My goals have shifted from winning races and fighting for championships to seeing my children grow, passing on my values, helping them up when they fall, listening to them when they need me, not having to say goodbye, and most importantly being able to learn from them and let them inspire me.
Vettel retire as a four-time World Champion
Vettel will retire from F1 as a four-time World Champion, with all of those titles achieved while racing for Red Bull in the early 2010s.
He sits third on the all-time list of Grand Prix winners with 53 victories, behind only Lewis Hamilton (103) and Michael Schumacher (91).
“Children are our future, further I feel there is so much to explore and learn about life and about myself.
Vettel: "My best race is still to come."
“My best race is still to come, I believe in moving forwards and moving on. Time is a one-way street and I want to grow with the times. Looking back is only going to slow you down. I look forward to racing down unknown tracks and I will be finding new challenges. The marks I left on track will stay until time and rain will wash them away. New ones will be put down. Tomorrow belongs to those shaping today.”
“Farewell and thank you for letting me share the track with you, I loved every bit of it.”