Retired four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel believes he outgrew Formula 1, leading up to his decision to leave the paddock at the end of 2022.
The German enjoyed an unbelievable career which started back in 2007, after replacing an injured Robert Kubica for a race at BMW-Sauber.
2008 was his first full season in F1, at Red Bull sister side Toro Rosso, before being promoted to the main team in 2009.
His time with Red Bull is what he’s most famous for, having claimed four consecutive titles from 2010-2013.
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Following a disappointing 2014 campaign, he moved to Ferrari for 2015.
His time with Ferrari was somewhat underwhelming on the whole, with him having failed to bring the Scuderia a title home.
Vettel eventually moved to Aston Martin in 2021, for the final two seasons of his F1 career.
His decision to retire came after wanting to spend more time with his young family, with him having realised that the time travelling away from his kids, is time he’ll never get back.
“The first few months passed quickly and it was nice to be able to enjoy the freedom to organise my time,” Vettel told the Red Bull Bulletin, when asked about life post-F1 retirement.
“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.
“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.”
In the latter stages of his career, Vettel started to campaign for climate and environmental change, something which some believe played a role in his decision to leave F1.
The German was often seen supporting a campaign or a community at the vast majority of races, even in the likes of the Middle East.
Vettel began to feel like he had “outgrown” the sport, whilst his family being at home continued to play on his mind.
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He didn’t want to “make certain compromises” anymore, with him believing that his children have the “right” to Vettel being with them more often.
“I no longer wanted to make certain compromises,” he said.
“Plus: My children have a right to me being there for them more. I must have outgrown a bit of a world that I used to think was great. Things that I once saw as pure white had been given a certain tint.”