Sebastian Vettel Confesses True Feelings Behind F1 Retirement: “I’m Not Saying This Chapter Is Ending Because…”

Sebastian Vettel announced his retirement, making this his very last F1 season. Aston Martin spoke out about their regret at having to let go of a driver like Vettel. And reactions kept pouring in.

Soon after the announcement, Sebastian Vettel talked about his thoughts on retirement in more detail.

Sebastian Vettel opens up about his feelings on his retirement

In a recent interview, Sebastian Vettel opened up about his upcoming retirement from F1

He said, “The fact that the decision, or the fact that I was carrying this decision around with me for such a long time, it felt quite liberating [to announce it].”

Vettel feels quite relieved at having made the choice of stepping away. He went on to say, “I’m looking forward to a bit of space and time. But then I know myself as well, I know that I’m driven and usually not managing to sit still for long. So I’m sure that something will come up. But we’ll see what it is.”

Of course, that does not mean the Aston Martin driver will go out without a fight. And he asserted much the same when he said, “I could just enjoy the break and the time I had, and also looking very much forward to the races that I have left.”

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It seems like Vettel will thoroughly enjoy his last season more than anything else. And at the heart of F1, more than the competition or the speed, is it not about the fun of it as a sport?

What lies ahead for The Four-Time World Champion?

As 2023 approaches, Sebastian Vettel is drawing closer to the moment of his retirement. And for the first time in his adult life, the 35-year-old is going to have no idea what to do.

When asked about his thoughts on the future, Vettel said, “I think it’s difficult for any athlete, man or woman, to know what life is going to be like after you step away from what you’ve done your whole life. But then again, I feel time will tell.”

But stepping away from F1 does not mean stepping away from racing altogether. If the concerns were that Vettel would be physically incapable of carrying on, he put those at rest with these words.

“I think physically I’m in great form, I have zero problem driving these cars. So there’s nothing that would hold me back on that front.”

So does Sebastian Vettel already have other plans lined up for 2023? The Aston Martin star said he does not know. “I’m not saying this chapter is ending because another one is opening straight away and I’m driving other cars next year.”

READ MORE: Beginning His Journey to 4 Titles, Sebastian Vettel Was ‘Disappointed’ With Cliché Advice That Eventually Shaped His Stoic Mentality

However, Vettel might appear in the Race of Champions next year, an exhibition event that Vettel is quite fond of.

Other than that, Sebastian Vettel does not seem to have any concrete plans set in motion. But, as he himself says, his “best race is yet to come”. Whether it is actually on a racetrack or anywhere else, we can’t wait to see what it is.