When he lines up on the grid for the Abu Dhabi GP, the last of the 2022 Formula 1 season, Mick Schumacher will have the chance to compete with Sebastian Vettel for the last time in the elite of world motorsport. The four-time champion announced on Thursday (28) his retirement at the end of the year, and the Haas driver did not fail to pay a beautiful tribute, thanking 'Seb' for his achievements in F1 throughout his career.

Vettel chose social media to communicate his decision. The night before, the motorsport community was abuzz after the Aston Martin driver created an official Instagram account - Vettel is one of the few sportsmen who did not have social media until then.

Schumacher - who has a mentor in Vettel, just as his father, seven-time champion Michael Schumacher was to the young 'Seb' early in his Formula One career - celebrated his friendship with his compatriot and said that Vettel was "very important" in his life.

"I am very sad that you are leaving, but at the same time excited for you and for this new chapter in your life," Mick wrote on his official Twitter account. "You were and still are someone very important to me, and I am grateful for our friendship," he continued.

"Thank you for all your contribution to the sport we both love. I can't wait for our last races together. Thank you Seb, you are an inspiration," the Haas driver closed.

Vettel announced on Thursday (28), at the age of 35, that he will end his career in the World Championship at the end of the 2022 season. Last week, the four-time champion had expressed interest in renewing his contract with Aston Martin, but justified that he wants to spend more time with his family.