Sebastian Vettel admits he was conflicted about heading to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix following the birth of his third child last week.
The German was excused from Thursday’s media day at Yas Marina after his wife Hanna went into labour on Wednesday but did arrive in time to compete in the full race weekend.
Vettel though would reveal that for perhaps for the first time, F1 wasn’t his top priority.
“Maybe this is the first weekend where the feeling is strongest that I would also like to stay at home,” GrandPrix247.com quoted him as telling German broadcaster RTL.
“I want to bring the season to a good end, but at the same time of course I would like to be home with my wife so I am torn.
“Everything went well and of course I am very, very happy,” he added. “Thank God you can stay in touch these days, but I am torn.”
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His comments came on a week when some rumours emerged suggesting Vettel could ‘pull a Nico Rosberg’ and shock F1 by announcing his sudden retirement following Abu Dhabi.
Speaking via Crash.net, however, he denied any such thoughts.
“I was already going on holiday next year, I heard before I’m stopping,” the four-time champion joked, referring to the multiple dates given for his F1 exit.
“I don’t know who was the one [to start the speculation] but he/she seems to know more than me, but since you journalists are always right, then it will hit me in the next weeks.
“I’ve had a couple of mistakes that I shouldn’t make. I have to be honest, obviously in terms of approach, maybe small things I can do,” he acknowledged.
“I don’t think there is rocket science to be changed, it’s always in the details, small adjustments, nothing big and major.
“I don’t need to drive differently, I know how to drive, we all work together trying to improve the car, trying to make it faster for both of us, but yeah, you’re always looking at yourself.
“Less interviews will help! It’s all part of the negotiations for next year before any other negotiations.”