Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has announced he will retire at the end of the 2022 F1 season, ignoring pleas from Aston Martin to stay for a third year.
The German confirmed on Thursday that he will bring the curtain down on a glittering F1 career that began 14 years ago as a fresh-faced 20-year-old at Toro Rosso.
He would go on to become one of the greatest drivers of all time, achieving four consecutive drivers’ championships with Red Bull between 2010 and 2013.
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After a high-profile switch to Ferrari, where he twice finished second, but ultimately failed to replicate the feats of compatriot and hero, Michael Schumacher, in a six-year stay.
After being dropped by Ferrari after the 2020 season, Aston Martin snapped up the 35-year-old to run the team alongside Lance Stroll.
Two tough seasons have followed and, despite the team’s pleas to stay for a third season, Vettel will step away from the category in November.
His final Grand Prix will be in Abu Dhabi, which will be his 300th start, making him only the seventh driver to achieve this milestone.
“The decision to retire has been difficult for me to make and I have spent a lot of time thinking about it,” Vettel said in a statement. “At the end of the year I want to spend a little more time reflecting on what I will focus on next; I am very clear that, being a father, I want to spend more time with my family.
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“But today is not about saying goodbye. Rather, it’s about thanking everyone, especially the fans, without whose passionate support Formula 1 could not exist.”
Executive chairman Lawrence Stroll hailed Vettel as “one of Formula 1’s all-time greats”.
“We made it clear to him that we wanted him to stay with us next year, but at the end of the day he’s done what he feels is right for him and his family and of course we respect that,” Stroll said.
“He’s driven some fantastic races for us and behind the scenes his experience and expertise with our engineers has been invaluable. He’s one of the all-time greats in Formula 1 and it’s been a privilege to have worked with him “.
Vettel has won 53 races, only behind Lewis Hamilton (103) and Schumacher (91), 122 podiums and 57 pole positions.
His 13 wins in the 2013 season remains a joint record with Schumacher’s record for Ferrari in 2004. That season saw him claim nine consecutive wins, which is also an all-time record.
Later in his career, Vettel has used his prominence to speak out against climate inaction, while lending his support to the Pride and Black Lives Matter movements.
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