“Fire Is Still Burning” – Sebastian Vettel Snubs F1 Retirement Plans Despite Having Doubts

Sebastian Vettel had a below-par 2021 F1 season with the Aston Martin team. There was much speculation over his retirement before the start of this season after his exit from Ferrari. However, he stayed in F1 in 2021 and also signed a one-year contract extension with the Silverstone-based team in September this year.

The German is one of the most loved drivers in F1 because of his human qualities and on-track heroics. Even though many believe that Vettel’s best racing days are behind him now, his experience still makes him one of the most lethal drivers on the grid. Vettel recently admitted that the thoughts of hanging up his boots have crossed his mind.

However, he says that the fire to drive is still burning and he would like to continue. Vettel grabbed a deserved podium in Baku this year. The German’s other podium in Hungary was stripped after his car failed to provide the one-liter sample of fuel required.

Sebastian Vettel shares thoughts on retirement

Vettel made his debut for Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2007 at the United States GP. Since then it has been a long road down to 2021. After all these years, he still managed to take silverware home; he won the inaugural Crypto.com award for most overtakes this season. However, 15 seasons, 280 Grand Prix, 53 wins, and 4 championships later, the German star was asked about his retirement plans.

To this, he gave an honest and straightforward answer. In a recent interview with F1 Insider, Vettel said, “Of course, sometimes you ask yourself the question of meaning. I would be lying if I said that the thought hadn’t crossed my mind yet.”

“But I don’t just go on to convey messages. Then I wouldn’t be true to myself and I wouldn’t be so good anymore,” he added.

However, he made a point that the desire to be a part of the sport is still there. Besides that, Vettel said that when he will not have a similar passion, he would much rather give his seat to a youngster and hang up his F1 helmet.

“If I no longer feel the inner drive and ambition and only stick to it to convey news or increase the account balance, it would be a betrayal of the generation that is still coming and living this dream.”

“Because I can still take care of certain topics when I’m not driving anymore. But the fire is still burning,” concluded the 34-year-old.

With new regulations in place, there is a possibility that the power dynamics might change on the grid. Let’s see what next year looks like for the 4-time champion. Tell us your favorite Sebastian Vettel moments.

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