Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel admits he’s missing the “tension and competition” of the sport.
At the end of the 2022 season, Vettel opted to retire from F1, bringing an end to his highly successful stint in the series.
Vettel won four consecutive F1 titles from 2010 to 2013 with Red Bull and in his final years, drove for Ferrari and Aston Martin.
Having adopted a new lifestyle outside F1, the German admits that it took some time to adjust to the situation.
“After such a long time in racing, I have something like an everyday life for the first time,” he told Bild.
“It took me some time to get used to it. Above all, I enjoy the time with my children.
“It was strange at first not to be there. But I can handle it well and follow the sport with great interest.”
Vettel will be back behind the wheel of historic cars later this year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, driving at the event while promoting the use of synthetic fuels.
However, with his days of full-time F1 competition seemingly behind him, Vettel admits that he is missing some of the rush that comes with being involved with the series.
“So far I’m doing very well with my decision. But what I miss most is the competition and the tension,” he said.
“I let myself be inspired, look at a lot, collect ideas.
“Let’s see what ends up being a project. Driving my old racing cars with e-fuels at Goodwood is one thing. Motorsport is my passion.
“It’s important to me to show that we can drive just as well and quickly with synthetic, i.e. CO2-neutral, fuel. And that already today synthetic fuels offer a solution to responsibly having fun.
“A lot of people just don’t know that yet.”
Vettel’s former team Aston Martin has enjoyed a dream start to the 2023 campaign, taking four podiums in the first five races.
It marks a substantial improvement from last year, when it ended the campaign seventh in the Constructors’ Championship.
“I am very happy for my former team,” Vettel said. “They have also worked hard in recent years. It’s nice that they’re clinching a few trophies now.”
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