Sebastian Vettel says his thoughts of retiring from F1 grew over time, but when the idea of moving on first crept into his mind, he pushed it away.
After 15 seasons spent among motorsport's elite, Vettel will close the curtain on his life and times as a Grand Prix driver next weekend in Abu Dhabi with his 299th start, capping off a career that has delivered to the German, 53 race wins and four world titles.
Vettel recalls that his mindset began to change during his final year with Ferrari, when he was informed by the Scuderia even before the start of the Covid-delayed 2020 season that he no longer figured in the Italian outfit's future.
But the prospect of retiring became a recurring thought after his move from the House of Maranello to Aston Martin
"I think initially it grows inside you, and it was a bit confusing because I had never had that feeling before," he said, speaking on the latest Beyond the Grid podcast.
"But after such a long time [travelling in F1], my life has changed as I have three kids at home, and I really enjoy that part of my life - and they are growing.
"It's been some years that the first thoughts [of retirement] were popping up, and after the change from Ferrari to Aston Martin, it was the first time we really thought: 'It might be time to stop or be my final contract - my final couple of years.
"Maybe one-two-three-four years, but my final period on Formula 1.
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"Since then, [I've had] lots of thoughts and that voice just kept growing. I'm fairly analytical, so I've tried to take it apart as much as I can and then put it back together.
"It did take quite some time, but on the other hand, it's also a very big decision. So I'm happy that, you know, I had these two years.
"I've been thinking about it for a long time and try to look at it from all angles and imagine all sorts of scenarios beforehand, even though time will only tell how I will get on, but I'm sure life goes on, so I'll manage."
Vettel admits that reaching the decision to end his career in F1 was "quite a relief". But since last July and the public announcement of his future exit, the German has enjoyed his racing a lot more.
"I think I just felt a big relief, because the decision is a very big, life-changing one to me," Vettel added.
"[There were] a lot of conversations with my wife and with myself as well, trying to initially understand that voice that was creeping up and giving me an idea that it's time to move on, but initially I pushed it away.
"It kept growing, so it has been confusing at the beginning, and then a progress I would say.
"Once the decision was made, and it was out, then it was quite a relief.
"I think I was able to enjoy the time in the car more because I didn't have you know, these thoughts and to think about whether I will really do it or not anymore."
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