Sebastian Vettel has refused to rule out returning to Formula 1 as he enters the final two races of his current career.
The four-time world champion announced in Hungary he would be leaving at the end of 2022, but has enjoyed an uptick in form scoring points in three of the past four races.
However, as the races tick down to what will be his 299th and final start in Abu Dhabi, Vettel admits he is slowly coming to terms with his looming retirement.
“It is getting a little bit more real,” he said via Motorsport.com.
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“At Suzuka, I was a bit sad after qualifying and Sunday was a little bit up and down and mixed emotions because the race was so different. It’s a special place and I will miss it.
“I don’t know how Abu Dhabi will be. Obviously, from a results point of view, I don’t think we expect miracles all of a sudden, but I also tend to look forward to what’s next.
“I’m excited about what’s coming, it’s not like I completely hate Formula 1 now and I’m happy to get out, but obviously I made the decision and look forward to what’s coming.”
That being said, Vettel admits he isn’t sure how easy it will be to let the racing bug go, suggesting a comeback ala Michael Schumacher in 2010 may not be out of the equation.
“I’d like to rule it out, but I can’t,” the Aston Martin driver said. “I have no idea how I’ll be ticking in a year or two.
“As far as the physical is concerned, I do a sport that you could still return to after a two-year break. However, I wish that in two years I would still say: ‘No thanks, I don’t need racing anymore’
“[I will] definitely not stand in front of the camera as a pundit with a microphone in my hand and give my two cents,” Sebastian promised.
“I’m not sure I want to watch the race at all. Formula 1 was my purpose in life for 16 years. Now I secretly have an expectation of myself to be able to cope without Formula 1 – like I’m going through rehab.”