Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel has made clear that when he retires from F1, his decision will be permanent and there will be no comeback.
Vettel's fans can rest assured however, for the German driver insists that no retirement plans were on the cards, despite pundits' predictions.
The 32-year-old four-time world champion is set to conclude a difficult 2019 campaign during which he's had to contend with the pressure applied by his blindingly fast teammate Charles Leclerc, and a few costly mistakes it has induced.
Asked in an interview with German news agency DPA whether he was getting too old for F1, Vettel insisted his motivation was intact after twelve full years of racing at the pinnacle of motorsport.
"I think age is not as crucial and important to us as it is in some other sports," Vettel said. "If you're good enough, you're still young enough.
"At some point after twelve years, the point will come to think about what will come afterwards."
Vettel insisted that it would be important for him to call it a day on his racing life on his own terms, and with a plan beforehand on what to do next.
"This means that you feel comfortable with the decision and can say: 'Now it's enough'.
"I don't think it's a good idea to stop doing something so vital to one's life and then not having a plan for the future."
Vettel's current contract with Ferrari will expire at the end of 2020. Regardless of when he decides to leave the F1 paddock, the choice will be final.
"For me it is clear: if I stop once, then I will stop and will not come back. You have to be happy and be able to say: that’s it."
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