Sebastian Vettel’s retirement feels particularly emotional. For years Sebastian Vettel has been at the forefront of Formula 1’s image both on and off the track.  On track, his four consecutive world championships with Red Bull and successful stint with Ferrari both hold their own places within the history books. However, away from the track, his tireless efforts to strive for change have revolutionised the way we look at Formula 1 drivers. They are not just pilots of the world’s fastest ground machines. Some are true leaders. 

Although his latest years in Formula 1 do not give his career the happy ending that it deserves, the history books will be kind to the youngest world champion who sits third on the all-time win list, behind only Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

In announcing his retirement, Vettel explained that ‘the marks I left on track will stay until time and rain will wash them away.’ 

I disagree. No one will forget his 2008 Italian Grand Prix win for Toro Rosso, announcing himself on Formula 1’s stage as the next big thing. Securing the 2012 World Championship in a car that many would have retired due to too much damage following a lap 1 incident was a stunning drive of resilience and skill. He is the only F1 driver to win in India. He won nine races in a row in 2013. His final win with Ferrari in 2019 and final podium (as of his retirement announcement) in Baku last season were drives of maturity and raw speed. 

But his retirement is a huge loss to Formula 1 off the track. In his remarkable maturity, Sebastian Vettel’s actions speak volumes about the type of person that he is. Building and revisiting his bee sanctuary in Austria in the last 12 months, riding his bicycle to the track when others drive to reduce his carbon footprint and driving the 1992 FW14B with carbon neutral fuel at Silverstone are examples of his inner drive to help the planet. He is determined to prove there is a future for a ‘green’ Formula 1.

‘Every little bit makes a difference’

Sebastian’s own words are powerful. His relationship with Lewis Hamilton has transcended the sport. They both have shown remarkable compassion in fighting adversity, trying to break down barriers in Formula 1 that have been built up over decades of backwardness. The sport is now moving in very much the right direction, and Sebastian has had a huge part of play in that. 

He has been such a great ambassador of the sport, and his appearance on BBC question time was eloquent, reasoned and powerful. He accepted his role as a climate activist whilst racing in Formula 1 made him a ‘hypocrite’, but now in his retirement he can continue his fight for what is right without the burden on F1 being ‘gas-guzzling’ (which in itself is inaccurate), and make change. 

There are many career paths available for Sebastian, within F1 and away from it. He is president of the GPDA in standing up for the drivers. He screamed it was too wet to qualify at Spa last year before Lando Norris’s big shunt up Eau Rouge for just this reason. He is an advocate for safety and progress. 

Whilst his retirement will have touched so many in the world of motorsport, and his words are tinged with sorrow, let us not be upset for it is over, but be grateful that it happened. 

Seven world champions were on the grid in 2012. 11 years on, only two will remain. Sebastian Vettel is moving on from racing in the literal sense, but now in his life ‘there is still a race to win’. He shall thrive in all aspects of life that he pursues, and all in Formula 1 wish him the very best. 

Thank you Seb.