Sebastian Vettel's F1 career comes full circle, but he is not done fighting social wrongs

The moment has finally come, and it's bitter-sweet all-round: Sebastian Vettel's Formula 1 career is officially over.

The German racing driver announced his decision earlier this year, and, truthfully, it wasn't really much of a shock. Since winning his fourth F1 World Championship in 2014, Vettel's career has been on somewhat of a downward spiral, but he has maintained a competitive edge throughout.

Yet, despite it, he was still an authoritative figure in the F1 paddock, and he garnered widespread respect from all involved with the sport we love. And his decision to hang up his helmet may not be what everything wanted, but it is deserving for a man who has given so much of himself.

A final flourish for Seb! #AbuDhabiGP #DankeSeb pic.twitter.com/X4NrZBQxZF

Calling on his colleagues

Like Lewis Hamilton, Vettel has been using his platform in F1 to be a voice for many environmental and socio concerns. Be it fighting for a greener planet or human rights, he was - and still is - an active voice calling for fairness.

And though he may be done with racing (at least for now, according to Hamilton, who believes Seb will be back), there are mumblings that Vettel could take up a position within FOM (Formula One Management) and be a leader in the sport's environmental campaigns.

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"I think it's a huge privilege being in the position that we (as drivers) are in, and with that comes some responsibility, so I hope to pass on a little bit to the other drivers, to carry on some of the good work," Vettel said.

"It's great to see that we have the power to inspire [the fans] with what we do and what we say.

"I think there are far bigger and far more important things than