'If it was just about driving, Vettel would do it for years to come'

Earlier this season, Sebastian Vettel announced that he is in his final season in Formula 1. After four world championships and 53 victories, the German is bidding farewell to the sport. Even father Norbert Vettel did not see his son's departure coming.

Vettel surprised his father with F1 retirement

Father Norbert was present in Austin as a co-commentator with Sky Germany. Vettel senior himself cannot yet imagine F1 without his son either. The German did not see the F1 driver's retirement coming. "If it was just about driving, he would do it for years to come. But the stress around it is extreme", he says during the broadcast.

Vettel senior does not expect his son to turn on the television on Sundays to watch F1 races during his retirement. It is also not yet clear what the Aston Martin driver's next move will be. "He can't watch I think. Let's wait and see what he does." The four-time world champion will also not remain active in the sport as a commentator. "Maybe that is more something for him [my father] than for me", the driver himself responds to the German broadcaster.

Vettel is as motivated as ever to finish the season strongly. Aston Martin is currently seventh in the constructors' championship, four points clear of Alfa Romeo. The German himself is not far from the top ten. After Mexico, the Aston Martin driver is in 11th position in the drivers' championship with 36 points. Last weekend, Vettel's points streak, unfortunately, came to an end. He managed to score quite a few points in Singapore, Japan and the United States.