Sebastian Vettel to Aston Martin is reportedly a done deal, and Vettel has given leverage to it by calling the re-branded project ‘exciting’.
The full transcript of the much-publicized interview of Sebastian Vettel by Martin Brundle has finally been released. Vettel sat down with Brundle, the Sky Sports F1 commentator, and a former F1 driver, on Thursday, ahead of the Hungarian GP. There were speculations that the interview will revolve around Vettel impending ‘sebbatical’ from F1.
But, interestingly, it focused more on his imminent move to the Aston Martin team in 2021. As per multiple reports, Vettel will replace Sergio Perez in the team, once Racing Point is re-branded to Aston Martin.
Sebastian Vettel speaks out on the Aston Martin links
Sebastian Vettel avoided being direct but did give out hints he is interested in the Aston Martin project. He however clarified he will bide his time, and not rush to a decision.
“It sounds exciting from the outside.”
“I’m not part of that team and I don’t know the inside, the exact plans, and so on. F1 moves so fast, the world moves so fast these days. People have opinions quickly, they change opinions quickly.”
Vettel has been team-hunting ever since it was confirmed Ferrari will replace him with Carlos Sainz. He has faced multiple disappointments in his search so far.
Mercedes have all but confirmed Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas will continue beyond 2020. Red Bull are expected to continue with their same-line of Max Verstappen and Alex Albon as well. As for Renault, Vettel was in talks with them, but Fernando Alonso pipped him to the seat.
Ruled out a move to Alfa Romeo, if the Aston Martin talks break down
There have been suggestions that Sebastian Vettel could join Alfa Romeo, just like former Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen did. But Vettel cleared the air, saying he would continue in F1 only to win races, and not to earn money out of it. This sounds apt coming out from the third-most successful driver in Formula One history.
“I have achieved a lot and I’m willing to achieve more. I want to win, so I know and I think we all know that at the moment you need to be in a certain car to be able to win.”
Sebastian Vettel has given more fuel to the fire, and this will certainly excite the 33-year-old driver’s fan base. Sadly, though, this might signal the departure of Force India/ Aston Martin’s longest-serving driver Sergio Perez. He is on the lookout for teams and hopefully will land a competitive car for 2021, one which he thoroughly deserves.
