Sebastian Vettel: Racing Point Team Principal signals that Sergio Perez might race for Aston Martin in 2021 amidst Vettel’s transfer speculations.
Sebastian Vettel to Aston Martin is a certainty if reports from Germany and elsewhere are to be believed. ESPN Mexico has gone to the extent of mentioning August 2nd as the probable date of the announcement.
If this goes through, it would mean the departure of either Sergio Perez or Lance Stroll. The former is the outfit’s longest-serving driver. Perez is also one of the most consistent drivers in the grid over the past decade.
But this might not be enough. Simply because his current teammate Lance Stroll is the son of Aston Martin’s promoter Lawrence Stroll. It looks highly unlikely that Lawrence will let of his son, notwithstanding his high ambitions for Aston Martin. At the same time, he is very keen to onboard four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel to his team.
A glimmer of hope for Sergio Perez
This should only mean one thing – Sergio Perez’s ouster from the team. But in a twist of the tale, Team Principal Otmar Szafnauer has given the Sergio Perez camp hope with his recent comments. Otmar has spoken very highly of Sergio, including how he helps the young Lance Stroll. Perez’s loyalty is something he mentioned, and how this could turn things in the Mexican’s favour.
“I think the fact that Sergio’s got a signed contract will be a key factor that makes me keep him. Sergio’s been loyal to us, he’s been here for a long time, he’s a great racer. He works well with Lance Stroll and he helps Lance. So I’m sure all those factors do matter when people make decisions.”
But Otmar’s comments need to be taken with a pinch of salt. He has been very coy and diplomatic with his comments of late, keeping all options open. In line with this, he had earlier expressed Aston Martin’s interest to bring in Sebastian Vettel.
Otmar Szafnauer insists both Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll are contracted to drive for Racing Point in 2021, but the team boss isn’t ruling out a change in the future. https://t.co/VMjXmyTM06
— F1i (@F1icom) July 18, 2020
Therefore, Sergio Perez would do well with keeping his options open too. He is already in touch with the likes of Alfa Romeo and Haas, with both keen to have him. Now, only time will tell where Vettel, Stroll, and Perez end up for the 2021 Formula One season.
