Some Formula 1 chiefs will be "happy" to see the back of retiring driver Sebastian Vettel, according to Ralf Schumacher.
This season will be the German's last as an F1 driver, as the four-time world champion announced on Thursday. The revelation left fans gutted and led to a swathe of tributes from his fellow drivers as they reacted to the news..
But former racer Schumacher believes there will be some who are not so sad to see the back of the four-time world champion. Speaking to German media, the six-time race winner claimed F1 boss Stefano Domenicali will be one of those happy to see the back of an influential driver not afraid to speak his mind.
"Internally in Formula 1 some are now happy he's gone, especially Domenicali and co, because he addressed all the problems directly so in part was very uncomfortable, but rightly so," he said, as quoted by Motorsport-total.com.
Schumacher went on to say that he would be sad to see Vettel go, but added that he was not surprised to see the 35-year-old make the decision. "His manner, his smile when things went well, and that snotty face when things don't work out – but at least that’s a sign of his honesty," he added.
"I had noticed it a bit beforehand. The problem is simple – if you don't succeed and the family are waiting at home, there is simply no longer any point for a man in his position or for a driver."
Explaining his decision to retire to fans, Vettel said in a farewell video: "I love this sport – it has been central to my life since I can remember. But as much as there is life on track, there is my life off track too. Being a racing driver has never been my sole identity.
"I very much believe in identity by who we are and how we treat others rather than what we do. Who am I? I am Sebastian – father of three children and husband to a wonderful woman. Next to racing, I have grown a family and I love being around them. I have grown other interests outside Formula 1.
"My passion for racing and Formula 1 comes with lots of time spent away from them and takes a lot of energy. Committing to my passion the way I did and the way I think is right does no longer go side by side with my wish to be a great father and husband."
