Sebastian Vettel to retire from Formula 1

Sebastian Vettel, a four-time world champion, has declared his intention to leave Formula 1 at the conclusion of the 2022 campaign.

Vettel made his professional debut in 2007, and between 2010 and 2013, he won four straight world championships for Red Bull, the first of which made him the sport’s youngest champion.

The German driver, 35, will finish out his final season with Aston Martin after spending six seasons with Ferrari after moving to Italy in 2015.

“The decision to retire has been a difficult one for me to take, and I have spent a lot of time thinking about it,” said Vettel, who confirmed his retirement in a video posted on Instagram on Thursday ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian GP.

“At the end of the year I want to take some more time to reflect on what I will focus on next; it is very clear to me that, being a father, I want to spend more time with my family.”

Vettel, who is set to sign off at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November which will mark his 300th race, has become known for activism in the latter stages of his career.

In his video posted on social media, Vettel added: “I love this sport. It has been central to my life since I can remember. But as much as there is life on track, there is 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.

“I believe in change and progress and that every little bit makes a difference. I am an optimist and I believe people are good. Next to racing, I have grown a family and I love being around them. I have grown other interests outside Formula 1. My passion for racing and Formula 1 comes with lots of time spent away from them and takes a lot of energy.

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