Sebastian Vettel reveals his biggest regret post F1 retirement

Sebastian Vettel was crowned world champion four times in his 15-year Formula One journey.

Former Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel (Image credit: Outlook India)

Sebastian Vettel retired post last season as Aston Martin ranked seventh in constructors’ standings. Now, the Silverstone squad’s substantial advancement places them 51 points behind Mercedes before the Dutch GP. In this active season, Fernando Alonso secured six podiums and persistently pursued Red Bull, eyeing a 2023 victory.

Sebastian Vettel remarked that Fernando Alonso had lacked a competitive car with Alpine for many years, hindering his ability to showcase his skills. He also mentioned that Alonso now has the opportunity and is performing well. Vettel acknowledged that Red Bull holds the dominant position. The ex-Red Bull driver also revealed having numerous friends and close connections within the team. He expressed his happiness when they achieved victory.

“I’m also happy for Fernando. He hadn’t had a car for many years with which he could show his skills. Now he can and he’s up there. Red Bull is the one who is dominating and I still have a lot of friends and close people there. I’m very happy when they win,” said Sebastian Vettel, according to SoyMotor.

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Also read: Sebastian Vettel dismisses Formula E rumors, claims he isn’t considering a ‘return to motorsport’

Sebastian Vettel attributes his retirement to F1’s packed calendar

Abu Dhabi 2022, Sebastian Vettel’s last F1 race (Image credit: Eurosport)

Sebastian Vettel concluded a captivating two-year tenure with Aston Martin after leaving Ferrari, retiring from Formula 1 at 2022’s end. This marked the close of an era highlighted by his remarkable feat of four consecutive world championships from 2010 to 2013. Vettel, a revered German driver, bid farewell as a beloved F1 figure known for his affable nature, respect for peers, and enduring passion.

Vettel clarified that a lack of enjoyment for racing or diminished speed didn’t drive his choice. But it was due to the time commitment. He pointed out the extensive race calendar and the substantial effort required to excel. He expressed his passion for driving and his longing for qualifying laps and intense on-track battles.

Sebastian Vettel says that he still watches F1 at home and whenever Red Bull Racing wins and dominates it makes him happy ❤️

"Red Bull Racing dominates, and I still have a lot of friends and acquaintances there. I'm really happy when they win."

[@theredbulletin] #F1 pic.twitter.com/wfc5fxLM9c
— RBR Daily (@RBR_Daily) August 16, 2023

“Several factors came into play in my decision. I didn’t want to stop because I no longer enjoyed racing or because I was slow, but because of the time. I love driving, the competition and those qualifying laps and those hand-to-hand fights is what I miss the most,” Sebastian Vettel stated.

After an impressive 15-year stint in Formula 1, the four-time world champion chose to retire at the end of the 2022 season. His legacy encompasses both his remarkable on-track achievements and his significant off-track contributions. His sole return to racing was marked by a notable appearance at this year’s Race of Champions.