Much to everyone’s surprise, Aston Martin emerged as Red Bull’s primary rival in 2023. With Fernando Alonso in the wing, the British team has been riding high as he is closing in on P2 in the driver’s championship. However, this has come at a time when Sebastian Vettel left the Silverstone-based team and was replaced by Alonso. And as Aston Martin is doing well this year with race-winning chances, Christian Horner can’t help but feel for the four-time world champion.
Vettel spent two years at the British team before retiring at the end of last season. The German driver arrived in Aston Martin from Ferrari in 2021 after it was rebranded from Racing Point.
Vettel could only manage P12 in both seasons in those two years of stay, with 43 and 37 points, respectively. At the same time, the team with a midfield car could only manage P7 in both seasons.
In contrast, from P7 in the Constructors’ championship, Aston Martin is currently in P3 in 2023, trailing P2 Mercedes by 13 points. And now the fans believe the former Ferrari man is unlucky that he couldn’t enjoy success at Silverstone.
Christian Horner feels for Sebastian Vettel
The Red Bull boss has a great work relationship with Vettel, as the duo won multiple world championships together. Speaking of what the German star missed out on, he told Sport Bild, “It must be frustrating for Seb to see how well the Aston Martin is doing this year.”
The 49-year-old further asserted, as per the report published by Sky Sports Germany, “He didn’t have an easy time there. But the truth is that without Seb Aston Martin wouldn’t be where they are this year.”
However, the 35-year-old is believed to be happy with his decision. On this, Horner stated, “He has his share of the success. And he will still enjoy the time with his family.”
Vettel is happy with his decision despite Aston Martin’s success
The former Ferrari driver retired from the sport after having two moderate seasons with Aston Martin, where he had no wins, so he is happy with his decision. Sebastian Vettel made a decision to have more time with his family, and he does not regret it, even if Aston Martin has come out on top now.
Sebastian Vettel 🇩🇪 Aston Martin AMR22 • Motor Mercedes M13 V6 Turbo Híbrido | Montreal 🇨🇦 2022 pic.twitter.com/UYrwdtplYI
— O Paparazzi da Formula 1 📸 (@PaparazziF1) June 15, 2023
Speaking on this, the 35-year-old said, as per Racingnews365, “But no matter what scenario takes place now; I made my decision regardless of how it could have gone this year.”
With active interest still lying in the British team as he has his eyes on them, Vettel is also happy for Fernando Alonso in Aston Martin.
