By Emre Asikci
ISTANBUL (AA) - The youngest-ever winner in Formula One, Sebastian Vettel, confirmed his decision to stop racing after collecting four titles and 53 victories.
Considered one of the most respected drivers in the Formula 1 history, Vettel became the youngest to clinch a world title in 2008 with Toro Rosso at the age of 23 years and 134 days.
The 35-year-old German began his career with BMW Sauber at the 2007 US Grand Prix. He also drove for Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari, and Aston Martin, respectively.
During his 15-year career, Vettel made 122 podiums and clinched four consecutive titles with Red Bull from 2010 to 2013.
In a video announcing his retirement, Vettel said he wants to spend more time with his family.
"My passion for racing and Formula 1 comes with lots of time spent away from them and takes a lot of energy. Committing to my passion the way I did and the way I think it is right does no longer go side by side with my wish to be a great father and husband," he said.
The world champion said his decision was made with a lot of thought after 15 successful years at Formula.
"I love this sport. It has been central to my life since I can remember. But as much as there is life on track, there is my life off track, too. Being a racing driver has never been my sole identity," he said in the video on Instagram.
- Last race victory with Ferrari in 2019
Vettel moved to Ferrari in 2015, where he won his last race in 2019 before switching to Aston Martin for 2021.
Winning four world titles put the German driver in fourth place alongside Alain Prost of France (1980-1993) for the most World Drivers’ Championships.
The Aston Martin man is currently behind Michael Schumacher (1991-2012), Lewis Hamilton and Juan Manuel Fangio (1950-1958).
Hamilton and Schumacher are both holding the record for most titles with seven championships.
Vettel, who is in his second year racing for Aston Martin after six seasons with Ferrari, will say goodbye to Formula 1 after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November – his 300th entry.
Aston Martin F1 Team Principal Mike Krack had very strong words to say regarding Vettel’s performance. "Sebastian is a superb driver – fast, intelligent and strategic – and of course we are going to miss those qualities.
"However, we have all learned from him, and the knowledge that we have gained from working with him will continue to benefit our team long after his departure."
In addition to the Aston Martin Team, several Formula One drivers, including Hamilton, Schumacher, Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, and Sergio Perez took to social media platforms to share emotional messages for Vettel.