Sebastian Vettel admitted he misses the "competition and tension" of the racing world as he adjusts to life away from the Formula 1 circus.
The German called time on his 15-year F1 career at the end of last season. He enjoyed most of his success with Red Bull where he won four consecutive drivers' titles before leaving for Ferrari and spending his final two years as a racer helping to build the Aston Martin team.
Not much has been heard from Vettel since his final race at the end of last season. He competed again at the Race of Champions in Sweden, representing Team Germany, but otherwise he has preferred to remain off the radar.
Until, that is, he sat down for an interview with Germany's Bild on Sunday. "After such a long time in racing, I have something like an everyday life for the first time," he said of his experience since retirement. "It took me some time to get used to it. Above all, I enjoy the time with my children."
Fernando Alonso has replaced him at Aston Martin and, having built on the work done during Vettel's time there, the team is now enjoying plenty of success. Four podiums from the first five races has seen the Silverstone team climb to second in the standings behind only runaway leaders Red Bull.
"It was strange at first not to be there. But I get on well with it and follow the sport with great interest," Vettel said. "I am very happy for my former team. You have also worked hard in recent years. It's nice that they're clinching a few trophies now."
Vettel has been the subject of plenty of speculation in recent months. One suggestion was that he would make a good leader of the AlphaTauri team – prior to the announcement Laurent Mekies will take on that role – while Yuki Tsunoda said the German would be ideal to take over from Helmut Marko has head of Red Bull's junior drivers.
Marko has since ruled out the chances of that happening any time soon, but did admit Red Bull have been "in contact" with their former driver since his retirement. Asked when he will return to the F1 paddock, Vettel simply replied: "I don't know yet."
And even though he is very much content with the life he has now, he admitted to feeling some withdrawal symptoms since waving goodbye to F1. "So far, I'm doing very well with my decision – but what I miss most is the competition and the tension," Vettel said.
