Sebastian Vettel to retire from Formula 1 at the end of 2022 season

Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel announced his decision to retire from the sport at the end of the 2022 season.

His 53 Grand Prix victories place him third on the all-time list behind Lewis Hamilton (103) and Michael Schumacher (91).

"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 in a team statement.

"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. But today is not about saying goodbye.

"Rather, it is about saying thank you - to everyone - not least to the fans, without whose passionate support Formula One could not exist."

BREAKING: Sebastian Vettel has announced he will retire from F1 at the end of the 2022 season

4 world titles
53 race wins
122 podiums
1 phenomenal career#ThankYouSeb pic.twitter.com/K8BVXI6IAx

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 28, 2022

The German racer joined Aston Martin last year after five successful years at Ferrari, finishing at the 12th spot at the end of the 2021 season, and is at the 14th spot in the driver's standings in the ongoing season.

Vettel's most productive run however, was with the Red Bull Racing team as he won four back-to-back world titles between 2010 and 2013 after finishing runner-up in 2009.

With the Prancing Horse, he finished runner-up twice (2017 and 2018) and third in his debut season in 2015.

"He is one of the all-time greats of Formula One, and it has been a privilege to have been able to work with him," said Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll, whose son Lance is the team's other driver.

"He will continue to race for us up to and including the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which will be his 300th Grand Prix entry. We will give him a fabulous send-off."

The German made his F1 debut with BMW Sauber at the United States Grand Prix in 2007. He joined Toro Rosso that same year and raced the final seven races of the season.

He then spent a full season with Toro Rosso before making the step up to Red Bull in 2009.

Vettel's first title in 2010, aged 23 years and 134 days, saw him become the youngest world champion in history.

With inputs from AFP

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