While the racing genius and talent of  4x champion, Sebastian Vettel is undeniable, there still are a lot of ‘what ifs’ surrounding his career. For instance, what if he hadn’t crashed out whilst leading his home GP in 2018? Could he have been a 5x champion? Or even more? While his sad downfall and eventual retirement are linked to that fateful day at Hockenheimring, there was a lot more playing on Vettel’s mind as he bowed out of this sport.

It’s been almost 9 months since the German raced his last race in Formula 1. The 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will forever be decorated as the end to an illustrious career of a man who was always more than just a racing driver. And probably that is what played the biggest role in determining the right time, at least for him, to walk away from this sport and his pining fans.

Sebastian Vettel reveals the sad truth that led to retirement

Formula 1 never really induced tunnel vision for the 36-year-old. Probably that’s why he was the one who always saw the bigger picture, both on and off the track. And one nagging reality is what led to him finally deciding to hang his racing helmet up.

In a feature for Red Bull’s ‘The Red Bulletin’, Vettel revealed, “For me, time was one of the determining factors: the many races; knowing how much effort it takes to do the job properly, in my opinion. At the same time I have small children at home. That time will not come again.” [translated via Google Translate]

Read More: As Fernando Alonso Reaps Fruits of His Hard Work, Sebastian Vettel Gives Honest Opinion on Aston Martin’s Success

Vettel is surely enjoying the bliss of being a father and a husband. That being said, don’t count a return to racing out anytime soon!

Vettel still wrestles with the racing bug

No matter how much he enjoys retired life, Sebastian Vettel will always be a racing driver at heart. That’s what drove him ever since he was a young kid, too. And missing the thrill of the competition is something that still haunts him to this day.

He continued, “The first few months passed quickly and it was nice to be able to enjoy the freedom to organize my time. Many factors went into my decision to resign. I didn’t stop because I didn’t like the sport anymore, was too slow or really wanted to do something else. Resignations are very individual.”

“To answer the question: I enjoyed the driving, the competition, right up to the end. When you only have one shot left in qualifying and it has to hit the mark. racing duels. These are the moments I miss the most.”

How long before Sebastian Vettel gives into that irresistible urge and jumps back into a full-time F1 seat?

WATCH THIS STORY: In Pictures: Lewis Hamilton & Fernando Alonso Are the Last Men Standing as Sebastian Vettel Exit Marks the End of Iconic F1 Era