Sebastian Vettel recognises he could walk away from F1 for good

Four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel recognised on Thursday his Formula One profession could be over on the finish of the season.

The German is beginning his ultimate 12 months with Ferrari, with Spaniard Carlos Sainz already signed from McLaren to take his place at Maranello.

Champions Mercedes and fifth-placed Renault nonetheless have vacancies, on paper not less than within the case of the previous who’ve Valtteri Bottas and six-times world champion Lewis Hamilton out of contract on the finish of 2020.

Mercedes could, nonetheless, choose to proceed unchanged with Hamilton wanting certain to remain and add to his spectacular record of data.

Vettel stated forward of the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix that he had but to have any actual contract discussions with different groups.

“Obviously, I want to make sure I make the right decision for myself and my future. I think I have a very competitive nature, I have achieved a lot in the sport,” he stated.

“I’m motivated and willing to achieve more. To do so I need the right package and the right people around me, so that’s what I’m looking out for at the moment.

“If the right opportunity should arise then it is quite clear. If that’s not the case then I’ll probably have to look out for something else.”

Vettel, 32, recognised there could be no coming again if he did must walk away — even when Spain’s double world champion Fernando Alonso, who left the game in 2018, is tipped for a comeback at Renault.

“I am of the conviction that if you shut the door then you should not shut it in the expectation that it will open again,” stated Vettel.

“You have to be aware of the decision you are making, that´s also why I am not rushing into anything.”