Four-time Formula 1 champion Sebastian Vettel has confirmed he will retire at the end of the 2022 season.
The 35-year-old German star took to his personal Instagram account to release the news in a four-minute video.
Vettel, who is racing with Aston Martin, is currently placed 14th on this year’s championship standings.
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“The decision to retire has been a difficult one for me to take, and I have spent a lot of time thinking about it,” Vettel said.
“At the end of the year I want to take some more time to reflect on what I will focus on next; it is very clear to me that, being a father, I want to spend more time with my family.”
After making his Formula 1 debut in 2007, it did not take Vettel to become one of the sport’s very best drivers.
He became the youngest world champion in F1 history with his maiden title win in 2010 at just 23 and backed it up by winning three more titles in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
However, since switching to Ferrari at the end of 2014, the German has not experienced the same level of success. He has failed to win a single race over the last two seasons, with his last win coming at the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix.
Along with being the youngest title winner in F1 history, Vettel retires with a host of other records under his belt. His 13 race wins in 2013 knotted him up with compatriot Michael Schumacher for the most ever in a single F1 season.
He also holds the record for the most pole positions in a season (15), the most laps led in a season (739), most consecutive race wins (nine), most consecutive grand slams (two) and most wins from pole position in a single season (nine).
MORE TO COME
