Sebastian Vettel said he had come close to retiring before Racing Point offered him a chance to continue in Formula One next season.
Vettel has signed for the renamed Aston Martin team for the 2021 season “and beyond”, the ambitious British Formula One outfit announced yesterday.
The 33-year-old German won four consecutive titles from 2010 to 2013 with Red Bull before joining Ferrari, but the Italian team has not renewed his contract.
Signing Vettel was “a clear signal” to the racing world, said Racing Point, which will take the Aston Martin name next year after Canadian billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll’s investment in the British brand.
Vettel will drive alongside Stroll’s son Lance and replace Mexican driver Sergio Perez who announced on Wednesday he will leave Racing Point at the end of the season.
Asked yesterday ahead of the Tuscan Grand Prix at Italy’s Mugello circuit how close he was to walking away, the four-times world champion replied: “Close”.
“Is there a measure of how close you can get? It was close in terms of having a lot of thoughts and deciding what’s ultimately...I have to put myself first in that regard, what’s best for me,” Vettel told reporters in a video conference.
“What I’ve decided now I believe is the best for me, and I’m looking forward to proving that.”
Vettel was told by Ferrari in May, after the Covid-19 pandemic had delayed the start of the season, that they would not be extending his contract beyond this year.
In July, the 33-year-old German recognised he could leave Formula One for good.
Racing Point, to be renamed Aston Martin F1 next season, were his best option. They are currently fourth with a car based on last year’s title-winning Mercedes, while Ferrari are sixth.
“The second key factor for me has been answering to myself the question of what I want to do and get out of myself in a potential future in Formula One,” he said.
Vettel would not reveal details of his contract or the duration, although Racing Point have said it is for 2021 and beyond.
“I’m looking forward to the change because I believe we can do well,” he said. “I believe the team has huge potential. There’s some really good, clever people on board and I’m looking forward to help and show those qualities are there and demonstrate that as well with results.
Vettel has struggled at Ferrari since young Monegasque Charles Leclerc arrived, making basic errors and looking uncomfortable in the car.
He said joining Racing Point/Aston Martin, where his teammate Lance Stroll is the son of billionaire Canadian owner Lawrence, just seemed the right thing to do.
“It feels good that the news is out...a lot of questions will probably stop now.”
The last of Vettel’s 53 victories — the third most in F1 history — came at the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix. Only Michael Schumacher (91) and Lewis Hamilton (89) have won more races.
“It’s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company. I have been impressed with the results the team has achieved this year and I believe the future looks even brighter,” said Vettel.
“The energy and commitment of Lawrence to the sport is inspiring and I believe we can build something very special together.”
He added: “I still have so much love for Formula 1 and my only motivation is to race at the front of the grid. To do so with Aston Martin will be a huge privilege.”
‘New era’ at Aston Martin
“Everybody at Silverstone is hugely excited by this news. Sebastian is a proven champion and brings a winning mentality that matches our own ambitions for the future as Aston Martin F1 Team,” said team principal Otmar Szafnauer.
“On a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, Sebastian is one of the best in the world, and I can’t think of a better driver to help take us into this new era. He will play a significant role in taking this team to the next level.”
Racing Point’s current season has been marred by controversy with accusations they had copied Mercedes’ brake ducts.
On Sunday, Racing Point dropped their appeal against a 15-point deduction and 400,000-euro ($472,000) fine.
Vettel’s arrival means that the team will dispense with the popular Perez, a dependable and fast racer who played a prominent role in saving the former Force India team during a financial crisis two years ago before it was taken over by the consortium that renamed it Racing Point.
“It hurts a bit as I bet on the team during very rough times; we managed to overcome obstacles and I am very proud of saving jobs of several my teammates,” Perez said on Twitter.
Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel attends the drivers’ press conference ahead of the Tuscan Grand Prix at the Mugello circuit yesterday. (AFP)
