The 35-year-old German driver confirmed that the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in November will be the last race of his career.

“I have had the privilege of working with many fantastic people in Formula 1 over the past 15 years – there are far too many to mention and thank,” said Vettel. 

“Over the past two years I have been an Aston Martin driver – and although our results have not been as good as we had hoped, it is very clear to me that everything is being put together that a team needs to race at the very highest level for years to come.

“I have really enjoyed working with such a great bunch of people. Everyone – Lawrence (Stroll), Lance (Stroll), Martin (Whitmarsh), Mike (Krack), the senior managers, the engineers, the mechanics and the rest of the team – is ambitious, capable, expert, committed and friendly, and I wish them all well.

“I hope that the work I did last year and am continuing to do this year will be helpful in the development of a team that will win in the future, and I will work as hard as I can between now and the end of the year with that goal in mind, giving as always my best in the last 10 races.

“The decision to retire has been a difficult one for me to take, and I have spent a lot of time thinking about it; at the end of the year I want to take some more time to reflect on what I will focus on next; it is very clear to me that, being a father, I want to spend more time with my family.

“But today is not about saying goodbye. Rather, it is about saying thank you – to everyone – not least to the fans, without whose passionate support Formula 1 could not exist.”

Vettel who currently drives for Aston Martin has won 53 Grand Prix’s thus far while he has also been on the podium 122 times.

During his career Vettel has raced for Toro Rosso, Red Bull and Ferrari as well. It was with Red Bull where he won the world championship four times.

This week the drivers are at Hungaroring for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport