Sebastian Vettel to Aston Martin: A special clause in Sergio Perez’s contract means Sebastian Vettel needs to be signed by 31st July.
The Sebastian Vettel to Aston Martin move needs to happen in three days. This is because Sergio Perez has a special clause in his contract which expires on 31st July 2020.
BILD report that Sebastian Vettel is in talks with Racing Point about a deal for 2021. Sergio Perez’ contract runs to ‘22 however a clause exists that would allow RP to end it early – but it must be activated by July 31.
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— Rob Watts (@robwattsf1) July 14, 2020
If Aston Martin activates it, it would effectively mean Sergio Perez’s departure from Racing Point/Aston Martin. The Mexican driver has a contract until 2022.
But it can be voided if the exit clause is activated before July 31, 2020. For this to happen, the Silverstone-based outfit will have to buy off Perez’s contract for a considerable sum.
As per earlier reports from Germany Sebastian Vettel has agreed to join Aston Martin in 2021. And according to a piece by ESPN Mexico, the announcement date could be August 2nd, two days after the clause deadline.
Will Lawrence Stroll make Sebastian Vettel to Aston Martin possible?
Lawrence Stroll, the chief investor, has a tough choice to make. They have made their intentions clear of competing for the title, and so, will have to be pitch-perfect with their choice.
Should he go for Vettel, a four-time world champion, and still one of the best drivers on the grid? Vettel will also bring in considerable personal brand equity to the British outfit.
This could prove crucial for Stroll, especially as Racing Point morph into Aston Martin next season. Alternatively, he could retain faith in Perez, who is Force India/Racing Point’s longest-serving driver.
On a larger context, he is also one of the most consistent drivers in the current F1 grid. Perez had also bailed Force India out financially by bringing in sponsors, which assisted Racing Point to buy out the consortium from Vijay Mallya. Clearly, Force India/Racing Point owes a lot to the Mexican, who has expressed his desire to continue.
Read more: Racing Point Team Principal at his diplomatic best when asked about Sergio Perez.
