Welcome at RacingNews365

Become part of the largest racing community in the United Kingdom. Create your free account now!

  • Share your thoughts and opinions about F1
  • Win fantastic prizes
  • Get access to our premium content
  • Take advantage of more exclusive benefits
Sign in
Sebastian Vettel

Vettel: Prospect of looming F1 retirement is starting to feel 'real'

Sebastian Vettel's retirement is drawing close - admitting the prospect is starting to feel "real."

Vettel US
Article
To news overview © RN365/Michael Potts

Sebastian Vettel says the prospect of his impending retirement from Formula 1 is starting to feel "real" with just three races left in his career.

Four-time World Champion Vettel announced his retirement in July just before the Hungarian Grand Prix - triggering silly season in the driver market, with Fernando Alonso set to replace his old rival at Aston Martin in 2023.

Vettel had been enduring a difficult final season in F1 with an uncompetitive Aston, but an up-tick in performance in recent races has seen him bank 18 points - including a stunning fightback to seventh in the US after a slow pitstop - and Alonso penalty.

The German now admits that stepping away from Grand Prix racing is starting to take its toll - but stands firm behind his decision.

Vettel on retirement

"It is getting a bit more real," Vettel told media including RacingNews365.com before finishing seventh at Austin in the United States Grand Prix after leading the race for two laps.

"[After] Suzuka, I was a bit sad after qualifying, and Sunday was a little bit up and down with mixed emotions because the race was so different.

"I don't know how Abu Dhabi (his final planned race) will be from a result point of view, obviously, but I don't think we expect miracles all of a sudden.

"I also tend to look forward to what's next, maybe that's the F1 approach because we want to have a faster car at the next race, but I am excited about what is coming.

"It's not like I completely hate Formula 1 now and am happy to get out - but obviously I made the decision [to retire] and look forward to what is coming next."

Also interesting:

F1 Podcast: What does Dietrich Mateschitz's death mean for Red Bull?

RacingNews365.com F1 journalists Dieter Rencken and Michael Butterworth discuss the key issues from the United States Grand Prix, including what Dietrich Mateschitz's death might mean for the future of Red Bull in F1.

0 comments

x
LATEST All F1 teams deny Wolff complaint and hit back at FIA investigation