Sebastian Vettel departed F1 at the end of last season after more than 15 years on the grid, and the four-time world champion enumerated a few of the things he misses the most from his time in the sport.
Vettel retired after a two-year tenure with Aston Martin to spend more time with his wife Hanna and their three children.
Since hanging up his helmet, the 36-year-old has been rarely seen in the paddock but was a prominent presence at last month’s Festival of Speed at Goodwood where he took two cars from his private collection – a Williams FW14B and a McLaren MP4/8 – up the famous hill.
The German was also at the center of some wide-of-the-mark speculation regarding a potential return to the track in Formula E, but he quickly put the rumors to rest, insisting he has no plans for a comeback in any category.
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“The first few months passed quickly and it was nice to be able to enjoy the freedom to organise my time,” Vettel told Red Bull’s in-house publication The Red Bulletin.
“Many factors went into my decision to resign. I didn’t stop because I didn’t like the sport anymore, was too slow, or really wanted to do something else. Resignations are very individual.
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“For me, time was one of the determining factors: the many races; knowing how much effort it takes to do the job properly, in my opinion.
“At the same time, I have small children at home. That time will not come again.”
While new chapters in Vettel’s life may beckon, it’s understandable for a seasoned maestro to feel an indelible void after living life in the fast lane for so many years.
“I enjoyed the driving, the competition, right up to the end,” he said when asked what he missed the most about his former existence.
“And when you only have one shot left in qualifying and it has to hit the mark, racing duels. These are the moments I miss the most.”
But while as all good things come to an end, Vettel believes the timing of his retreat from the sport was right, both in terms of his career and also in terms of his changed outlook on life.
“I no longer wanted to make certain compromises,” he admitted.
“Plus, my children have a right to me being there for them more. I must have outgrown a bit of a world that I used to think was great.
“Things that I once saw as pure white had been given a certain tint. Anyone who does not close their eyes perceives social developments,” he declared.
“Although F1 has taken up a large part of my life, it is not central to the people of the world. If you think outside the box, you can see the signs.”
Although he has yet to set his next course in life and fill the voids once crammed with F1, Vettel suggests that the process of taking his thrills to another area of his existence is ongoing, and its also exciting one.
“I was very well prepared when I made this decision. But one unpredictable factor remains. I like doing sports outside,” commented the environmental activist.
“As of today, there is nothing that pushes me to the limit like F1. That’s what I miss the most.
“I have to put the brakes on myself here, because that’s exactly what I wanted to get to know about myself. What happens when I’m not in competition mode?
“At some point, this adrenaline rush of a career at the top of the world will come to an end, whether freely chosen or forced – for example due to injuries.
“Then it’s about moving on, taking the thrill and the tension with you to the next section. I’m not saying it’s easy or saying I’ve done it. I’m searching, and this process itself is exciting.”
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