Sebastian Vettel in Formula 1: four world titles, 53 wins, 57 poles, 3098 points, 299 races, and out.
That’s if Lewis Hamilton’s point that “Formula 1 has a way of sucking you back in” doesn’t come true and there is no Michael Schumacher or Fernando Alonso-style comeback in Vettel’s future. Even though he says he’d be up for a one-off appearance at Suzuka, it doesn’t seem very likely, because Vettel’s 2022 campaign featured two main elements: his decision to retire at the end of a tough first half with Aston Martin; and then a farewell tour second.
Hamilton was speaking alongside Alonso and Vettel in the pre-event press conference for the season finale, the three greats of their generation making one last appearance together. Three of the next followed: Max Verstappen, George Russell and Charles Leclerc. Memories of Vettel were required and shared.
