Vettel with no regrets: 'My children have the right to see me more often'

Interviews of Vettel are a rarity these days. When the four-time champion gives a demonstration at a motorsport festival, he talks briefly. Briefly, because Vettel no longer seeks the spotlight. Consequently, he does not regret his decision to say goodbye to Formula 1. "The first months went by quickly and it was nice to enjoy the freedom and schedule my own time. Many factors played a role in my decision to quit. I didn't quit because I no longer liked the sport, was too slow or really wanted to do something else. Quitting is something very personal."

Vettel misses little things about F1

Vettel continued: "It was a combination of factors: the many races, the amount of effort it takes to do the job properly in my opinion. At the same time, I have small children at home. That time is not coming back. To answer the question: I enjoyed the driving, the competition, until the last moment. When you only have one attempt left in qualifying and then have to do it and the duels during races; those are the moments I miss the most."

The former Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin driver says he no longer wants to compromise. "My children are entitled to me being there for them more often. I have distanced myself from a world I used to love so much," Vettel concluded.