It was just another Thursday for most of the Formula One fans, who were staring at their watches and waiting for the lights to go out at Hungaroring. But little did they know of the surprise Sebastian Vettel had planned to reveal hours before the Hungarian GP press conference. The four-time world champion announced his retirement from the sport by the end of the 2022 F1 season, leaving behind the entire racing community in sorrow.

The decision did come as a shock, considering Aston Martin boss, Mike Krack’s recent statement on the contract talks with the German. This consequently left many wondering what prompted Vettel to make this difficult decision despite several teams persistently showing interest in the ex-Red Bull star.

Well, Vettel’s father, Norbert Vettel, has the answer. Vettel Sr revealed that an on-track incident from this season urged the 34-year-old to reconsider his participation in 2023.

Norbert reveals why Sebastian Vettel decided to retire

In an exclusive interview with RTL, Norbert Vettel admitted he saw the announcement coming, especially after the ‘low point’ his son suffered earlier this season at the Red Bull Ring.

“It’s a shame, but I understand him. That was an incredible career for my son and the low point was Austria. It hurt him so much to drive around at the end of the field and that accelerated this thought,” he said.

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The Austrian GP was indeed a heartbreaking weekend for Vettel, with every bit of his effort being put down by rivals’ silly errors. It was initially Alex Albon who spun Vettel into the gravel during the sprint, which subsequently left the German dwindling at the back of the grid.

Then followed a promising main race where Vettel looked right on track to secure a decent points finish despite starting from P18. Unfortunately for him, Pierre Gasly ended up clipping the rear of Aston Martin, which left the German legend spiraling off the track and into the gravel. And yet again, despite a strong start to the session, Vettel ultimately ended the weekend in P17.

Norbert reveals his final wish before Vettel’s retirement

Vettel Sr. made a rather emotional final wish as his son inches toward the end of a stupendous F1 spell. “I definitely want to race again and I’ll probably pick Monza because that’s where he got his first Formula 1 win with Toro Rosso. It was there that his great career as a four-time world champion began with his first win – also in Toro Rosso,” he said. (quotes translated via Google Translate)

WATCH: Sebastian Vettel Fires Relentless Questions in Brutal Road Rage Against F1 ‘Clowns’ at Austrian GP

Overall, after an impressive 2021 season, Vettel is still seeking his first podium this year. Will the German manage to end his 14-year Formula One career with a flourish? A podium at the Italian GP, maybe? Well, only time will tell.

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