Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany talks with the media during a press conference before their practice session for the Miami Grand Prix. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel to retire after 2022 season

By Adam Stites | Last updated 7/28/22

Four-time Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel announced Thursday that the 2022 season will be his last.

"The decision to retire has been a difficult one for me to take, and I have spent a lot of time thinking about it," Vettel said in a statement. "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, 35, finished as the championship runner-up in 2009 before emerging as an unstoppable star with four consecutive titles between 2010 and 2013. He won nine straight races during the 2013 season, a record that still stands, and tied the record for wins in a season that year with 13. His 53 career Grand Prix victories are third all-time behind only Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

Seb, it’s been an honour to call you a competitor and an ever greater honour to call you my friend. Leaving this sport better than you found it is always the goal. I have no doubt that whatever comes next for you will be exciting, meaningful, and rewarding. Love you, man. pic.twitter.com/eHVmOpov2m
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) July 28, 2022

After finishing top five in the drivers' standings in five straight years between 2014 and 2019, including back-to-back second place finishes in 2018 and 2019, Vettel has struggled in recent seasons. This year, he's 14th and his best result was a sixth-place finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in June.

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