Sebastian Vettel Reveals When He Felt He Was 'Past His Prime' in F1

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has openly reflected on his career, pinpointing the 2019-2020 seasons as the moment he felt he was "on my way down" and no longer possessed the "last ultimate push" required to compete at Formula 1's highest level. The German driver, who dominated the sport with Red Bull from 2010-2013, shared these candid insights on the Beyond the Grid podcast, offering a rare look into the mindset of a champion facing decline.

Why it matters:

Vettel's candid admission offers a rare glimpse into the psychological challenges elite athletes face at the end of their careers. In a sport where confidence is paramount, his honesty about losing his competitive edge provides a humanizing perspective on the inevitable physical and mental toll that even the most successful drivers must confront and accept.

The details:

• Peak Performance: Vettel assessed that he was "sort of at [his] peak" as early as 2010, the year he won his first title. He felt even more prepared and dominant in the subsequent years, securing four consecutive championships.
• The Turning Point: Despite strong seasons with Ferrari in 2015, 2017, and 2018, Vettel identified 2019 and 2020 as the period of decline. "I was on my way down already," he stated, explaining, "I didn't have that, really, last ultimate push anymore."
• Finding Comfort: While his overall peak had passed, Vettel emphasized that his later seasons, particularly with Aston Martin, were still valuable. He started to "feel really comfortable again with [his] driving" and believes he still delivered "peak performances" even if they weren't at his absolute best.

Looking Ahead:

Now retired from the series, Vettel appears to have made peace with his career's trajectory. His reflections are not of regret but of acceptance, highlighting a mature understanding of his own journey. This honest self-assessment adds another layer to his legacy, not just as a four-time champion, but as an athlete who navigated the pinnacle and the subsequent decline with grace and introspection.