On the Thursday afternoon before the Hungarian Grand Prix, Aston Martin’s press service released an official statement that Sebastian Vettel would leave the team and Formula 1 after the season.
Sebastian later released a personal statement explaining the reasons behind the decision.
Sebastian Vettel: “I hereby announce my retirement from Formula 1 at the end of the 2022 season. I should start with a long list of people to thank, but I think it is more important to explain the reasons for my decision .
I like this sport. It has been central to my life for as long as I can remember. But just as there is life on the track, so there is life outside the track. I never wanted to be just any racer. I believe that the essence of each of us is defined by who we are and how we treat others, not what we do.
Who am I? I am Sebastian, the father of three children and the husband of a wonderful woman. I am curious and easily attracted to talented and capable people. I am obsessed with the idea of perfection. I am tolerant and believe that we all have the same right to life, no matter what we look like, where we come from and who we love.
I like to be outside. I love nature and its wonders. I am stubborn and impatient. I can be irritable. I like to make people laugh. I like chocolate and the smell of fresh bread. My favorite color is blue.
I believe in change and progress and that everything matters. I am an optimist and believe that people are nice.
I have a family, I like to spend time with them. I have developed interests outside of Formula 1. My passion for racing and Formula 1 means I spend a lot of time away from them. It takes a lot of energy. Devotion to this passion in the way I think is right no longer fits my desire to be a good father and husband.
The energy required to become one with the car and crew in the pursuit of perfection requires total concentration and dedication. My goals have changed. It used to be wins and titles, but now I want to watch my kids grow up, pass on my values to them, help them get up when they fall, listen to them when they need me, and most importantly: be able to learn from them and let them inspire me.
Children is our future. But I still have a lot to learn and learn – about life and about myself. Speaking of the future, I feel like we’re living in a critical period. And our lives depend on how we spend it all.
My passion has to do with a number of aspects that I no longer like. These problems can be solved in the future, but for that the desire to change the situation must become much stronger and lead to action today. Talking is not enough. We cannot afford to wait. There is no alternative. This race has already started.
My best match? They lead the way. I believe in moving forward. Time is a one-way street and I want to move with the times. Looking back only slows you down.
I’m looking forward to racing on unknown tracks and looking for new challenges. The footprints I left on the pavement will remain until time and the rain wash them away. Then new ones come.
Tomorrow belongs to those who shape today. The next turn is in the safe hands of a new generation. I believe we can win this race.
Goodbye, and thank you for letting me share this journey with you. I enjoyed every moment.”
Source: F1 News
I’m Todderic Kirkman, a journalist and author for athletistic. I specialize in covering all news related to sports, ranging from basketball to football and everything in between. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, I have become an invaluable asset to my team. My ambition is to bring the most up-to-date information on sports topics around the world.
