Vettel briefly considered quitting Formula One over the sports switch to 1.6 litre V6 power units

(Frederic Le Floc'h DPPI for Renault Sport F1)

Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel has revealed that he briefly considered quitting Formula One ahead of the 2014 season as a result of the sport making the switch from 2.4 litre V8 engines to the more energy efficient 1.6 litre V6 turbo charged power units. The German was extremely critical of the noise from the new power units. was

Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport  ahead of his final race with Infiniti Red Bull Racing the quadruple world champion stated:

'Of course, you think about everything, was his response was asked if he considered leaving Formula One. He went on to say:

'Suddenly you have two cylinders missing and you do not restart the car but a computer reboots it, then you ask yourself 'what has this to do with racing. What is the alternative? The cars have become slower but are still the fastest out there.'

The German is expected to join Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari next season replacing the McLaren bound Fernando Alonso however the Italian team has to confirm their driver line-up for the 2015 season.

Vettel has had endured an extremely tough season with Infiniti Red Bull Racing which has resulted the the German being outperformed by team mate Daniel Ricciardo who has secured three victories and eight podium finishes compared to Sebastian Vettel's three podium finishes.

Vettel has confirmed that he hopes to announce his 2015 plans soon. The German will not be free to test for Ferrari at the end of season test session as Red Bull have told the German that he must see out his contract with them that runs until November 30.

© Ben Johnston 2014