Formula 1

‘But today is not about saying goodbye. Rather, it is about saying thank you’ – Sebastian Vettel on announcing his retirement

The checkered flag has come down on Sebastian Vettel as, by the end of the ongoing F1 season, he will cease to be an active driver.  The German driver, who made his debut with  BMW Sauber in the 2007 United States Grand Prix, announced his retirement through his new Instagram account, which happens to be his first actual taste with social media.

Vettel won all four championships between 2010 and 2013 when he was associated with Red Bull. He takes third place on the all-time list of Grand Prix winners with a whopping 53 victories. The fifth title never came for Sebastian Vettel during his six-year association with Ferrari.

He has got only a sole podium finish to his name during his one and a half year of association with Aston Martin. The contract with his current employers comes to an end at the end of 2022. Vettel, who races alongside Lance Stroll, broke the news that this would be his 15th and final season in Formula 1.

“I have had the privilege of working with many fantastic people in Formula 1 over the past 15 years – there are far too many to mention and thank,” said Vettel. “Over the past two years I have been an Aston Martin driver – and although our results have not been as good as we had hoped, it is very clear to me that everything is being put together that a team needs to race at the very highest level for years to come.

“I have really enjoyed working with such a great bunch of people. Everyone – Lawrence [Stroll], Lance [Stroll], Martin [Whitmarsh], Mike [Krack], the senior managers, the engineers, the mechanics and the rest of the team – is ambitious, capable, expert, committed and friendly, and I wish them all well.

“The decision to retire has been a difficult one for me to take, and I have spent a lot of time thinking about it; 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,” he said.

Team Principal Mike Krack added: “Sebastian is a superb driver – fast, intelligent and strategic – and of course, we are going to miss those qualities. However, we have all learned from him, and the knowledge that we have gained from working with him will continue to benefit our team long after his departure.