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Sebastian Vettel at a press conference for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps
Photo: STEPHANE MAHE / REUTERS
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel had already announced that he wanted to end his career after the season.
In an interview with the weekly newspaper "Die Zeit" before the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort at the weekend (Sunday, 3 p.m. / RTL), he now said that self-doubt also played a role in his decision.
“I became aware of that two years ago.
When things weren't going well here at Aston Martin, I asked myself: Can I still do my job at all?
You don't talk about that as a professional, somehow it seems frowned upon," said the 35-year-old in an interview.
»Personal weaknesses and thoughts about them are part of performance and also part of success.
At least for this realization, the past two years have been worth their weight in gold for me.«
Another reason for the end of his career is the incompatibility of Formula 1 and family.
According to Vettel, worlds collide there.
»My sporting ambition, which has always been my greatest motivation, and at the same time I also want to be there for the family.
For the kids.
It's getting harder and harder for me to combine the two," said Vettel.
Vettel made his Formula 1 debut in the USA in 2007 and later won four world championships in a row with Red Bull.
After two years at Aston Martin, he will be retiring at the end of this year in the premier class of motorsport.
“Of course I wonder if I'll be able to cope with the afterlife or if I'll be missing something.
Maybe it will upset me that everything I have built so far is crumbling or bursting.
When I think about it and look at the careers of other famous athletes after their careers, I can see that it's a big challenge," said father of three Vettel.
“Maybe I won't win this race, maybe not even finish it.
I dont know."
Vettel does not yet have any clear plans for the time after Formula 1. In the past few months, he has often been involved in environmental and human rights issues.
“I really like tinkering with wood.
Who knows, maybe I'll do an apprenticeship as a carpenter," he speculated about the time after Formula 1. "And I like farming, that's gotten more and more interesting to me in recent years."
see/dpa