The four-time F1 world champion revealed via his newly launched Instagram account on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix that he will be leaving the series at the end of the season.
Vettel made his F1 debut in 2007 and enjoyed the height of his success with Red Bull, winning the world championship every year between 2010 and 2013. He joined Ferrari in 2015 before moving to Aston Martin in 2021
The news is a major upheaval in the F1 driver market for next year, freeing up a seat with Aston Martin alongside Lance Stroll for next year.
“The decision to retire was a difficult one for me and I spent a lot of time thinking about it,” Vettel said in a statement released by Aston Martin.
“At the end of the year, I want to take a little more time to think about what I’m going to focus on next; it is very clear to me that as a father I want to spend more time with my family.
“But today is not to say goodbye. Rather, it is to thank – everyone – not least the fans, without whose passionate support Formula 1 could not exist.”
Vettel made his Formula One debut at the 2007 United States Grand Prix in a one-off entry for BMW, before receiving a mid-season promotion with Toro Rosso later in the year.
He became the youngest Formula One winner in 2008 with Toro Rosso before joining Red Bull for the following season, with whom he enjoyed the height of his success, winning the world championship every year between 2010 and 2013.
Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin signing autographs for fans
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Vettel joined Ferrari in 2015 and contested the world title in 2017 and 2018, losing out to Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton on both occasions. He left Maranello at the end of 2020 to join Aston Martin, with whom he will continue his Formula 1 career.
“I want to thank Sebastian from the bottom of my heart for the great job he has done for Aston Martin over the last year and a half,” said Aston Martin executive chairman and team owner Laurence Stroll.
“We made it clear to him that we wanted him to continue with us next year, but at the end of the day he did what he thought was right for himself and his family and of course we respect that. He drives some fantastic races for us and behind the scenes his experience and expertise with our engineers is extremely valuable.
“He is one of the all-time greats in Formula 1 and it was a privilege to work with him. He will continue to race for us up to and including the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which will be his 300th Grand Prix appearance. We’re going to give him an amazing send-off.”
Add Comment