Sebastian Vettel refused to rule out a future in motorsport after announcing his impending retirement from Formula 1.
The four-time world champion revealed on Thursday that he will step away from the sport at the end of the year. Explaining the decision, he revealed a desire to spend more time with his growing family than is possible when globetrotting during the season.
Fans will no doubt be wondering what is next for the German after 15 years in F1. Many go on to seek the thrill of speed in other racing formats – Vettel admits that could happen, but not without taking some time out of motorsport altogether to catch up on some well-deserved time with his wife and children.
Asked by Sky Sports what he plans to do next, he said: "Lots of things and lots of ideas. I have lots of interests – some are very close to racing and maybe they will take more room in the future, and something have nothing to do with racing. One thing is what we do, and the other is who we are.
"The answer is that it's a little bit unknown, because even though we have these plans there is no guarantee they will all work and make me happy. I'm also aware that it's a big adrenaline rush when you're on the grid and the lights go off, and I won't have that any more so I'll see how that feels.
"For sure, there is maybe the possibility to race other things in this world, but I'm not stepping out of this car and stepping into another straight away – that's not the decision I took and not the way I feel. Let's see, but I'm excited."
If he does choose to continue racing, Extreme E might be the ideal series for Vettel to join. The all-electric cars and focus on highlighting climate change around the globe fit perfectly with the German's passion for the natural world, and the far less demanding schedule would still mean more time with his family.
If he does plan on staying away from racing, he has more than enough environmental projects on the go to keep him busy. Among his current passions are beekeeping, anti-litter campaigning and a push for wider use of carbon neutral fuel.
Who could replace Sebastian Vettel at Aston Martin?
Team principal Mike Krack admitted earlier this month that the team had "no plan B" in place if Vettel decided against signing a new deal. Now that the German has confirmed his departure, Aston Martin must find someone to partner Lance Stroll.
His father Lawrence, the team owner, is the one with the decision-making power, and has several options to choose from. One of the most seamless would be Nico Hulkenberg, the team's reserve driver who replaced Vettel at the first two races of the season after the four-time world champion tested positive for Covid-19.
Other options could be found at Alpine, with Fernando Alonso's future not yet abundantly clear. If the Spaniard does stay then reserve driver Oscar Piastri will be loaned out and could be an option, though Williams are believed to be at the front of the queue as they seek someone to replace Nicholas Latifi.
Elsewhere, Mick Schumacher is out of contract and Aston Martin may see the appeal of bringing in Vettel's protege. But Ferrari have a say in the future of their junior driver, while Haas will no doubt be keen to keep the youngster beyond the end of this season.
Daniel Ricciardo is struggling with McLaren and rumours suggest the team might choose to replace him before the end of his current deal. But the Australian shut down those suggestions last week, and doubled-down on that pledge when asked directly if he would consider an Aston Martin switch.
More likely is a move for Nyck de Vries. The Dutchman is a slightly more left-field option, but Mercedes chief Toto Wolff admitted they are unlikely to be able to give him a chance in F1 and would not stand in the way of his departure should another team come calling.
