Vettel: "Decision to retire has been a difficult one"

Hard choice 

Over recent weeks, it's been clear that Vettel hasn't been the happiest man in the F1 paddock. He's left meetings and hasn't managed to record the best results. But still, the German says it was a hard choice to walk away from the sport he's been so successful with. 

"The decision to retire has been a difficult one for me to take, and I have spent a lot of time thinking about it; 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," Vettel said in the press release. 

"I have had the privilege of working with many fantastic people in Formula One over the past 15 years - there are far too many to mention and thank."

Legacy

Vettel has been one of the most vocal Formula 1 drivers when it comes to issues around the world. Since leaving Ferrari, Vettel has made a legacy of those messages. But he has also been a key part in Aston Martin's development. When Lawerence Stroll announced the news he was signing, he admitted they wanted a big star driver to take the brand forward. Vettel hopes his work will help them in the future. 

"I have really enjoyed working with such a great bunch of people. Everyone - Lawrence, Lance, Martin, Mike, the senior managers, the engineers, the mechanics and the rest of the team - is ambitious, capable, expert, committed and friendly, and I wish them all well. I hope that the work I did last year and am continuing to do this year will be helpful in the development of a team that will win in the future, and I will work as hard as I can between now and the end of the year with that goal in mind, giving as always my best in the last 10 races," Vettel added.