Verstappen has 'undoubtedly' achieved the 'greatest achievement in life' says Vettel

The German knows the Duthman is going through now that he has become a dad after Verstappen's partner, Kelly Piquet, gave birth to a baby girl. According to the four-time world champion, fatherhood is the greatest achievement you can deliver in life, even as a four-time Formula 1 world champion.

Like Verstappen, Vettel's world titles all came in a four-year span, all behind the wheel of Red Bull. After moving to Ferrari and Aston Martin, he retired from F1 in 2022, now involved in activism and charity work.

In an interview with Krone Zeitung, Vettel was asked about his view on Verstappen's new role as a father. Lily Verstappen, the daughter of Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet, was born in the run-up to the Miami Grand Prix.

“Ultimately, being a Formula 1 driver is just a job – and like every father in the world, it naturally changes you,” says Vettel. “A racing career lasts only a certain time. The choice to be a father lasts your whole life, and that is undoubtedly the greatest achievement in life – that definitely applies to Max as well.”

Since his retirement, along with activism and climate change work, Vettel has combined a quieter existence with projects like Bee Wild and managing an organic farm since his departure from Formula 1. However, he does not rule out a return to the sport.

Vettel has been linked multiple times to a possible return to his old F1 team, with advisor Helmut Marko emphasising that he sees Vettel as his ideal successor in the role of advisor and leader of the Red Bull Junior Team, with Vettel not ruling out a future move.

“No, I rule nothing out – I've always said that. I still believe the moment of my departure was the right one. I'm very satisfied with my life now,” he says. “But it always depends on the opportunities. Motorsport has always been a big part of my life, and it still is – and that will probably remain so,” concluded the German.