July 14, 2020 Sebastian Vettel is in talks about a deal to race for Aston Martin in Formula 1 in 2021, sources have said.
The four-time world champion has reportedly been offered a contract by team owner Lawrence Stroll, who is keen to build the strongest possible package for Aston Martin, which will be the name of today’s Racing Point from 2021. The German newspaper image, which is generally well informed about Vettel’s plans, has also indicated that there may be an agreement soon.
The team already has a multi-year deal with Sergio Perez, who also brings sponsorship money, while Lawrence Stroll’s son Lance’s place seems certain for the long haul, too. Ever since Vettel became available for leaving Ferrari at the end of the season, Racing Point team boss Otmar Szafnauer has repeatedly denied that the team has a place for him.
Asked by GPUpdate.net on Friday in Austria about the contract situation he said: “As I mentioned earlier it is flattering that everyone says that a four-time world champion wants to come to our team, but maybe that is also because the car is a little faster now. You are absolutely right, we have long-term contracts with both drivers, so it would only make sense that we don’t have a place. “
Perez was always thought to be firmly in place, as he initiated bankruptcy through legal action through which Stroll would take over the then Force India. Stroll also has a good relationship with Julian Jakobi, the manager of the Mexican, who has been going back two decades. However, sources claim that Perez’s contract may have an escape clause, allowing the team to make the change sooner. Interestingly, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner hinted last weekend that there was such an opportunity.
“I think he has some options. I assume it is Racing Point, or it’s been a year on the sidelines and re-evaluate what your options are,” he told Sky F1. “I don’t think Lance is going to get fired! Of course driver contracts with teams are secret, you never know what’s in it, only the Contract Recognition Board has full insight into that. I’m sure they have options or breakpoints, or what whatever. But that’s not our business. “
Stroll may have decided that the chance to take Vettel is too good to pass up, especially due to the team’s name change to Aston Martin and the rebuilding of the ailing sports car manufacturer. Vettel would also fall well with Mercedes, the team’s supplier of power sources and gearboxes. The DNA of the two companies continues to mix: Toto Wolff recently bought shares in Aston Martin, and former AMG CEO Tobias Moers becomes the new boss. Another interesting aspect is that Vettel would enter the Mercedes camp at Aston Martin and may therefore be available to move to Brackley if a seat becomes available.
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