Hardly a race goes by in which Sebastian Vettel doesn’t have to answer a specific question: Doesn’t he want to reconsider the resignation? Vettel always denied that, including in the press conference before the 2022 Mexican Grand Prix.
It’s “funny” that he’s being asked about it again, says Vettel. “But the answer is no: I have thought long and hard about this decision. I have analyzed it from many perspectives.” His decision to stop at the end of the season still stands.
The constant questioning seems to irritate Vettel just as much as the fickleness that he attests to in modern society. He finds it “sad that we commute so much back and forth,” says Vettel.
“Of course I understand that it’s nicer when emotions go up and down. But we judge too quickly, start hype too quickly. And sometimes I wish the rashes were less strong.”
Of course, his 2022 Formula 1 season also had its ups and downs, says Vettel, admitting: “I enjoyed the two most recent Grands Prix – more than maybe a few mid-season races, but that doesn’t affect my decision. If so, it’s just a great reminder of why I love Formula 1 and motorsport so much.”
“It was great races that I really liked. But I also had races that I didn’t enjoy that much. After five laps I wished it was over. But that didn’t happen. You have to then find the motivation anyway.”
“It changes your perspective on life”
Vettel discovered a motivation for completely different things outside of Formula 1, such as environmental protection, but when exactly? “It’s probably part of growing up,” says the 35-year-old. “When you turn 30, that changes a few things.”
“I’m a father of three, unlike many drivers in the field. It changes your perspective on life. But it’s difficult to explain in the context of this answer.”
In any case, he is “still the same person I was 15, ten years ago,” said Vettel. “But of course I’ve also changed. I’ve learned a lot, met new people. Maybe then you’ll start to see things differently.”
Vettel’s time in Formula 1 ends
Formula 1 as a racing series has done a lot to give him a different perspective today, says Vettel: “I was able to race at the highest level, but I also traveled the world and saw many different places. I saw different cultures and met different people.”
“That does something to you. Mainly because you realize that the privilege we have doesn’t come naturally. Maybe I have a talent for what I do, maybe everyone else does too. I could have been born somewhere else and my talent might never have surfaced.”
And Vettel remains philosophical when he says: “Everyone can do what they want, even more so at a young age. You concentrate more on yourself and on your goals and so on.”
“But if you have the attitude that there are many lessons in life, then I’m sure I could have learned more lessons. But I’m looking forward to having time to learn more soon.” Because his “term of service” in Formula 1 ends after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November 2022.