Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel has conceded that he has a fear of the unknown when it comes to his life after Formula 1, which is approaching very quickly.
The four-time world champion announced ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend that he is set to leave the pinnacle of motorsport and move on to the next chapter in his life.
This involves spending more time with his family and helping to take care of the environment, as well as supporting those continuing to face discrimination.
It is not known whether he will have any interest if continuing to race in any capacity – that is something we will find out in the coming years – but it can safely be said that the 35-year-old will be missed in F1.
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His ambitions after his career is over have already started to coincide with his day job; he has transcending his role as a racing driver by fighting for causes such as equality, social justice and environmental awareness.
From creating a bee hotel, to protesting homophobia and sexism to speaking about against racism, the 53-time race winner is cementing his legacy, not just as Vettel the racer, but Sebastian the humble.
However, the withdrawal from racing, which he has been doing all his life, is something that concerns him, although he affirmed he has the people around him to help with that part of retirement.
“The best race is still to come, which obviously you could say is b******t if you are not racing anymore, but I think I’m referring to it in a better picture, as in life,” said Vettel, as per Motorsport Week.
“I think for every sportsman and woman, actually, probably the biggest challenge is probably waiting for us while we decide to do other things.
“That’s what I’m facing and in all honesty, I’m also scared of what’s coming. It might be a hole and I don’t know how deep it is and whether I’ll get out of it.
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“But I have lots of support and people who have supported me along the way and will continue to help me and give me direction and guidance.
“Hopefully I’ll make the right decisions in the future to progress and become a better version of myself in 10 years’ time.”
The German went with the more obvious moments in his career when asked about his favourite of them all, but he intends to look forward rather than keep turning his head.
“I don’t know how others answer this kind of question, I don’t work like that,” explained Vettel.
“Maybe it’s a sort of way to protect myself. I can agree on Monza [his first win with Toro Rosso in 2008], it was an incredible race, incredible emotions.
“Winning the title…I could name you now a few highlights, but the way I’m working I’m always looking forward to what’s next.”
Vettel is currently 14th in the Drivers’ Standings having finished in the points five times this season. He will be replaced next year by Alpine’s Fernando Alonso.