Story byMotorsport photoAlex HarringtonFri, February 27, 2026 at 8:56 PM UTC·3 min readSebastian Vettel has said his idea of success has moved over time from chasing the next trophy or cheque to being “at peace” and treating people well. Speaking at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival, the four-time Formula 1 champion explained how the sport’s relentless cycle can make even titles feel fleeting. The 38-year-old stepped away from the championship at the end of 2022 after starting 299 grands prix, leaving a record that includes 53 wins and 57 pole positions across spells at BMW Sauber, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSpeaking on how he measures success, Vettel admitted he no longer wears those numbers as a medal. Instead, he focuses on what he believes is the deeper meaning of life. Vettel’s point was that Formula 1’s fast pace can make even the biggest moments feel temporary, because the prep work for the next race begins before the debrief of the last one has even ended. In the early part of his career, Vettel described his mindset as once always chasing the next win.