How the F1 paddock reacted to Vettel's shock retirement announcement

Busy media call for Sebastian Vettel as the four-time world champion discusses his decision to retire from #F1#HungarianGPpic.twitter.com/VVGwkc9h4c

— Lewis Larkam (@Lewis_Larkam) July 28, 2022

Here's the tributes that have poured in for Sebastian Vettel's retirement.

Fernando Alonso has left the door to switching teams to take Sebastian Vettel's vacancy...

Bottas: "For sure after F1 I will drive something because I just love driving!"

Ocon: "Can you teach me rally, Valtteri?"

Congrats Seb, on an amazing career. I’m very happy to have shared the track with you, let’s make your last races great once more pic.twitter.com/WnKCuotv0T

— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) July 28, 2022

Ricciardo: “Life would be less chaotic! The schedule, how long the calendar is, that would be the biggest change. Everything would slow down a lot.”

Albon: “I am not looking too far into retirement. You have to look at it a little bit. I will look for a cottage... it will be very nice.”

Ocon: “I don't want to think about it at the moment. After F1, you have many cool series to try, many different cars to experience. Le Mans is shaping up impressively with lots of cool brands.”

"I am not looking too far into the future, to retirement. I will look for a cottage in the Cotswolds!"

Sebastian Vettel speaks to the media after his retirement announcement earlier today #F1#HungarianGPpic.twitter.com/hl9A8abaiE

— Crash F1 (@CRASH_NET_F1) July 28, 2022

“I can't believe I can say it. I have a contract, so I am all good.”

"Aston Martin are a great team. They are expanding. But the focus right now is on this year. I'll leave it as that."

"Always a good driver to race against and race with. With him, there's always respect, he's always going to race hard but fair. Really enjoyed the battles. Such a nice guy, one of those drivers that's not afraid of speaking.”

"A legend of our sport. Before I came to F1, he was one of the drivers I was looking to, taking inspiration from. He was so young when he was successful.

"A real legend. I too, wish him all the best."

"This was not the thought that I had when I spoke to Seb about his future.

"I hope he doesn't stay too far from the paddock."

"You know in a way it's sad of course because you're losing a bit of a legend of the sport.

"It's one of those ones you're sad but also happy for him to start 'chapter two' of his life!"

"He is one of very few multiple-time world champions. There is a reason for that. 

"What he does off the track is also inspiring.

"I've heard he's just got an Instagram account which is exciting!"

"Pretty impressed with the beard he's got going at the moment..."

"12 races. Maybe [a total] of 16? Pick the good tracks. Leave the others out!

Stroll: "The cars are too heavy. I would like to see that improved in the coming years. Off the top of my head, that's something that would be nice to improve to make the cars a bit more enjoyable, nimble to drive."

"In general they behaved quite well. Just a few individuals did not. I hope that is different, this time."

"I remember that day like it was yesterday, meeting Lewis, he was a superhero to me. It was 13 years ago but it feels like yesterday. Just make the most of the one you life you have so that photo [with Lewis] is a reminder to me."

"We all know the intellect Sebastian has. Sharing quite a few meetings with him behind the scenes, talking with the FIA or whoever, you do learn how much knowledge he has.

"I am sure that also goes into the technical side. Above all, he's a great bloke, a great human being. We lack a lot of people like Seb in the world. He will be missed."

"It is true that we need help from Red Bull with reliability and DNFs."

"If you know me, I will not be laying on the beach!

"I don't care about the points gap. It is about being perfect every weekend. I won't relax.

"I want to win more races."

"Such an inspiration and humble bloke. No one has got a bad word to say about Seb. He's good fun to be around. He will be looking forward to everything he's got planned in the future.

"As I said, an inspiration."

"He is a great personality and a good ambassador for F1.

"I am lucky that I have been close to him. I have learned lots of things from him - driving behind him or in front of him."