4-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel to retire at end of season

Sebastian Vettel considered retiring from Formula One for quite some time before finally announcing Thursday this season will be his last.

The German, who joined Instagram on Wednesday, used the platform one day later to announce he plans to spend more time with his family and work on causes close to his heart.

Vettel won his four F1 titles from 2010 to 2013 with Red Bull, but his last victory was with Ferrari in 2019. His best finish this season with Aston Martin is sixth.

"I feel that obviously this decision has been in my head for so long now, and has taken so much energy to be honest, and maybe even at times distracted me," he said Thursday. "There was a lot of thought leading into this. I think it's the right time for me to do other things.

"So much dedication means also a lot of time spent in your head, in your thoughts, but also physically away from home, from kids, family," added the 35-year-old. "I've grown other things, other than the children who are growing, it's other interests and views. I can't ignore these voices."

Sebastian, you have inspired so many throughout your career, both in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> and beyond. <br><br>We’re proud to call you a teammate, a friend and to have been part of your journey, just as you have been part of ours.