LONDON (Reuters) - Four times world champion Sebastian Vettel announced on Thursday his retirement from Formula One at the end of the season, saying his goals had changed and he wanted to focus more on family and interests outside the sport.
The 35-year-old German won his titles with Red Bull from 2010-13 and spent six seasons with Ferrari before joining British-based Aston Martin, currently languishing ninth of 10 teams.
He made the announcement ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, the 13th round of the season and last race before the August break.
“I hereby announce my retirement from Formula One by the end of the 2022 season,” he said in a video statement on a newly-created Instagram page.
“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’s my life off track too. Being a racing driver has never been my sole identity.
“Next to racing I have grown a family and I love being around them. I have grown other interests outside Formula One,” explained the Swiss-based father of three.
Vettel, who has joined in collecting litter after races and campaigns for green causes, said in May that climate change made him question his job.