Vettel reportedly considering switch to Aston Martin for 2021
- Published on 14 Jul 2020 23:05
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- By: Coilin Higgins
It is understood that Sebastian Vettel could be considering a move to the newly-branded Aston Martin F1 team for 2021, after being offered a contract by team owner Lawrence Stroll.
According to Autosport, sources have revealed that Stroll has offered Vettel a contract at the team for next year, which will take the spot currently vacated by Racing Point for 2021.
German newspaper Bild, one of the sources that revealed Vettel's departure from Ferrari last May, suggests that deal between Vettel and the team could be agreed soon.
It is not yet unclear who could partner Vettel for 2021 should he make the move to the team, as the team already has a contract with Sergio Perez until 2022.
Lawrence's son Lance currently occupies the second car, having done so since 2019 after a consortium of investors led by his father bought out the team the previous summer.
However, sources suggest that an exit-clause in Perez's contract could allow the team to switch Vettel for the Mexican driver despite his multi-year contract.
Sky F1's Martin Brundle also told over the weekend of the Styrian Grand Prix that Vettel requested an interview with the former driver, leading to suspicion that he has an announcement to make.
A move to Aston Martin is now the only logical move for Vettel if he is to stay in F1 beyond the end of this season after Mercedes announced on Monday of its intentions to keep current championship leader Valtteri Bottas at the team next season.
After being asked by Autosport during last Friday's press conference in Austria if the team would consider Vettel as an option for Aston Martin in 2021, team principal Otmar Szafnauer was sure there would be no room for the four-time champion.
“It is flattering that everyone thinks a four-time world champion should come to our team, but maybe that's because the car is a bit quicker now. You’re absolutely right, we have long contracts with both our drivers, so it would only be logical that we don’t have space.” Szafnauer said.
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Replies (13)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
the move wouldn't make sense for either party. Vettel is good, much better than some give him credit for, but Perez is the ideal budget choice. loads of bang for buck, and good sponsor options.
f1dave
Posts: 782
It's sonny boy Lance that's under performing..
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
At the very least Lance ain't up to scratch. And both Perez and Lance both semiown the team, so it'll be hard for them to axe either of them.
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I would be royally annoyed with Racing Point if they get rid of Perez. He's been not only solid behind the wheel, but has also been incredibly committed and loyal. Basically dragged them out of administration. He's brought them a handful of podiums which amounted to wins under the circumstances. Finally, I would say that at his best, Seb is better but only marginally better than Checo. These days there is no scenario in which I would chose Seb over Checo.
I WOULD, however, get rid of Stroll in a heart-beat to snatch Seb. That would be a mighty line-up.
JuJuHound
Posts: 352
Seb couldn't join Mercedes team A, so he might join team B.
I would not take Seb in Checko's place. But for sure Lawrence is a smart business man and he knows what to do.
Kean
Posts: 692
If that happens talk about stabbing Perez in the back. It was his actions that put the team in administration making it possible for Stroll to buy it. As I understand it, it was Perez's sponsors that kept the team afloat in the interim. Also Perez has outperformed every teammate he's had in that team, perhaps not always in quali but definately in the races. Also, it happens now when Perez finally has a really good car which he deserves..... Man, this prospect is pissing me off
JuJuHound
Posts: 352
Yeah, but let's wait and see if this (competetive) car is legal, if not, Checko will go to... Haas? I'm sure some teams might be happy to get him
Kean
Posts: 692
I think it's legal. I trust what Andreas Seidl had to say on that subject. With Perez talent and sponsors he'll find a drive elsewhere, of that I'm sure of. He could replace either driver at Haas or Alfa Romeo, but that would mean the back of the grid for Perez and he deserves better.
Bilstar
Posts: 54
Agreed. All of this I agree with.
Bilstar
Posts: 54
If they get rid of their top performer to put in a guy who can't finish a race recently without making a total arse of himself and pair him with the underperforming son of the team owner then I will be sure to give the team a good slagging off every time I get the chance.
f1dave
Posts: 782
Totally agree with this !
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
This is not Vettel vs Perez. Its a father vs Businessman. Let's see what Sr. Stroll is made of.
Pistonhead
Posts: 556
Coulthard called this 2 months ago when the Ferrari news broke. I think this will happen and hopefully it will coincide with a prolonged period of high performance. Aston Martin need a box office name and four time world champ fits the bill.