Sebastian Vettel has announced his retirement from F1 in an Instagram video today. The 4-time world champion will call it quits at the end of the 2022 season and leaves with a stunning legacy in the sport. In the meantime, his fellow drivers have taken this opportunity to congratulate the German on his glorious career.

Lewis Hamilton also posted a sweet message on Twitter for his one of his most fierce competitor throughout the years. The two rivals had their fair share of on-track battles and a greater amount of off-track respect. One of the greatest, holistic rivalries of our generation, it is only fitting the Hamilton honor the leaving Weltmeister.

Vettel’s former teammate Charles Leclerc who shared two seasons with the German at Ferrari posted a message, admiring the driver as well. Surely, his years under Vettel set the Monegasque up for his glory with Ferrari today.

With teammates, there’s Daniel Ricciardo. The Aussie found himself at Red Bull alongside the man who gave the team four titles. In his ode to his bud, Ricciardo even shared a picture of the two from their Formula BMW days- looking much younger to the faces we see today

After 14 Years On Track, Sebastian Vettel Finally Hangs His Helmet as F1 Fans Grieve Retirement Announcement

In the meantime, the wishes continued to pour in from the drivers on the grid for the legend of the sport. However, this announcement comes as a surprise to most as reports suggested that Vettel would extend his stay at Aston Martin.

F1 paddock pours in the wishes for Sebastian Vettel on his retirement

Although Vettel’s retirement came as a shock to most the drivers and fans have all taken to social media to wish the German the best of luck for the future. Drivers took a moment to congratulate him on his illustrious career.

Max Verstappen was someone who was not surprised with this announcement. He said, “To see him go, it’s something that you could see coming – everyone is getting older, at one point everyone is retiring,”

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He also posted a tribute to the former Red Bull man who he will be hoping to emulate in the coming seasons and hopefully win consecutive titles like Vettel.

Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz who replaced Vettel at the team at the end of the 2020 season, penned a sweet message for the 4-time world champion. Crediting Vettel as the reason he fell in love with the sport, Sainz added he would hold on to his memories with the German dearly.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner also shared a heartfelt message for the Weltmeister. The duo enjoyed the most successful period of Vettel’s career at Red Bull together dominating proceedings for years.

Lando Norris also shared a throwback post with the German from their rendevouz at the FIA awards.

Mick Schumacher tweeted out in support of his mentor; with Vettel playing the role Mick’s father played for him during his initial years in the sport. Mick will hope to use his learnings from Vettel in the years to come.

Seb will now be looking forward to finishing the season strong with Aston. Although, the team have struggled massively so far they will be trying their level best to give Vettel one last chance at a podium if nothing else.

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The German will retire 53 wins, 122 podiums and innumerable records to his name; not to mention the 4 world titles he won consecutively from 2010-2013.