After his announcement, tributes have poured in, not only from fans of the sport but also from fellow F1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso.
Both drivers described Vettel as a legend of the sport. Hamilton also praised the Germans move towards activism, especially on climate change.
“I am sad to hear he’s leaving. I think he is one of the most impactful F1 drivers who has ever lived and I feel very proud to have been here in the time he was, said Hamilton.
“He is the most conscious - I like to think I am up there with him, in terms of conscious of the impact we’re having and what we can do with our platform.
“He has been such a great voice and I am really proud of him for that.”
On Twitter, Hamilton also reached out to Vettel. His post said, “Seb, it’s been an honor to call you a competitor and an even greater honor to call you my friend.
“Leaving this sport better than you found it is always the goal. I have no doubt that whatever comes next for you will be exciting, meaningful, and rewarding. Love you, man,” he added.
Fernando Alonso said: “Four titles and not only [a legend] as a driver, as a human being.”
“He has very strong values and a very correct way of thinking. We will miss him. I will miss the battles on track.”
“Our careers were very close together always, together with Lewis. We miss one of the three. But family and other things are probably in this decision so I wish him the best and a lot of happiness.”
Vettel has said that he does not know what hes going to do next but has said that he plans to spend time with his family. He also said that he will be focusing on his concern for the environment.
“Unfortunately, I wish it wasn’t like that, but the climate crisis is part of all our futures,” Vettel said.
“Nobody is able to run away from it. We all have to face it and it will face us all. It’s also one of the bigger aspects that have led to the decision, the changing world, and there are aspects of the job today, flying around the world, burning fuel that don’t feel right.
“Once you see the whole picture, it is hard to un-see. It is the biggest challenge waiting for all of us.”
Hamilton and Alonso’s praises of Vettel were echoed by other drivers, including Max Verstappen who said, “He is a great ambassador for the sport and has achieved so much. He worked hard for that.”
Carlos Sainz said, “He’s a great role model, and an ambassador for the sport, but also the younger generation coming through.
“Everyone in the paddock loves him. You will not hear someone speaking bad about Seb, and this speaks to his personality and his life as a human being.
“We will miss him but I hope we will see him again in the paddock helping in some of the areas he has been very vocal about recently.”