Sebastian Vettel says that once he decides to retire from the sport, he will not come back. However, he did go on to clarify that he is not planning to retire any time soon.
Rumours have been building around the paddock that the German was contemplating retirement ever since the Canadian Grand Prix, where he lost the victory and claimed the F1 is no longer the sport he 'fell in love with' at the start of his career.
When asked by DPA about how important age is in Formula 1, he replied: "I think age is not as crucial to us as it is in some other sports. But in the end, it’s the same with every sport – if you’re good enough, you’re still young enough."
Vettel is set to be beaten in the championship by his teammate Charles Leclerc in their first year together at the team in what is only Leclerc's second year in the sport.
"I have been in Formula 1 for twelve years now and therefore I have a very different perspective than before. I judge things with a little more distance and not so quickly. It’s the luxury of having a few years on the clock," Vettel continued.
"But I think it’s normal that, twelve years later, I sometimes try to look ahead and think about what comes next. I don’t think it’s a good idea to just stop something that was so life-defining without an idea of how to go on.
"For me it is clear – once I stop, then I stop and will not come back. You have to be happy and be able to say: That’s it."
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Replies (3)
Login to replyf1dave
Posts: 782
Shame Villeneuve and Rosberg didn't have that philosophy.
JuJuHound
Posts: 352
I always put in doubts his skills after RBR period when bosses worked against MW to help SV win it all and then at the end, in 2014 when DR destroyed him. These last two years put more doubts - he is a hot head (Baku 2017) with so many crashes that if not 4 titles, Ferrari would already let him loose.
But from other side something tells me I'm wrong and we still will be able to see him back at the top. The question if Charles will let him do this and... Ferrari's car after FIA improving engine regulations.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I don't see what's there to doubt. Seb is a fantastic driver in a grid where there are a lot of other fantastic drivers. His skills are just outshone by other, better drivers. That's all.