Jul.11 (GMM) Racing Point – to be Aston Martin next year – appears to be Sebastian Vettel’s last hope of remaining in Formula 1 in 2021.
Despite a renewed flurry of speculation, Red Bull continue to slam the door in its former quadruple world champion’s face.
“It’s a definite no I’m afraid, and Sebastian is aware of that,” said team boss Christian Horner.
“I guess he has a couple of choices available to him – presumably Racing Point or a year out to re-evaluate the options.”
F1-insider.com, a German language website, quoted a source at Red Bull Europe who thinks one problem for Vettel is that he fell out with Dietrich Mateschitz a few years ago.
“Sebastian failed to inform Mateschitz in advance that he is going to Ferrari. That really annoyed him,” the source said.
It means that even Vettel’s closest Red Bull associate, Dr Helmut Marko, is not opening the door to the 33-year-old German.
“This is nonsense,” Marko told Osterreich when asked yet again about the persistent rumour.
“Vettel is definitely not an issue for 2021 as we have valid contracts in place with our current drivers.”
As for 2022, “We don’t plan that far ahead”, Marko insisted.
And so, it appears to be a pink car or bust for Vettel for 2021.
“Well,” said Racing Point’s boss Otmar Szafnauer, “it’s flattering that a four-time world champion would come to our team, but maybe that’s because the car is a bit quicker now.”
However, he said the team has “long contracts” in place with both Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez, “so it would only be logical that we don’t have space”.
But, earlier in Austria, Szafnauer’s comments were slightly different.
French media reports quoted him as saying: “We are focused on this season. What will happen next year? We will think about it.
“Sebastian is my friend – I’ve known him since he was a child,” Szafnauer added. “We often talk.
“We have time for a decision, so we will think about what makes sense.”
Bild newspaper’s correspondent Helmut Uhl says he has heard a rumour that Vettel is prepared to race for free next year so that Racing Point can use the money to break Sergio Perez’s contract.
Horner said: “Only the contract recognition board knows what’s in these driver contracts. I’m sure they have options or break points, but that’s none of our business.”
Former F1 driver David Coulthard told Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper: “I can imagine Sebastian at Aston Martin – he could play a good development role there.”
As for Stroll and Perez’s contracts, the Scot smiled: “Yes. Contracts … are contracts.”
Vettel confidante Bernie Ecclestone told f1-insider.com: “Anything can happen in Formula 1. He just has to keep doing his thing and believe in himself.”
October 25, 2020 C.O.T.A.
Guests of Grand Prix Tours will be treated to a complete and thorough race weekend that includes an invitation to our private F1 Celebrity Hosted Talk Show. During the event guests will receive insider information regarding all things Formula 1 and firsthand perspective into team preparations leading up to the race. Follow the link above to learn more about our trip to the United States Grand Prix.
September 20, 2020 Marina Bay
Join Grand Prix Tours as we head to Singapore and the Marina Bay Street Circuit for the only true night race on the Formula 1 calendar. One of only 4 street circuits on the F1 calendar the beauty of the modern Formula 1 cars are on full display under the bright lights of the Marina Bay street circuit. Follow the link above to learn more about our trip to the Singapore Grand Prix.
November 1, 2020 Mexico City
The Mexican Grand Prix is always a great test for Formula 1 drivers and teams alike. With extreme heat and the high elevation drivers have to be physically prepared and mechanics have to be mentally ready for anything. The atmosphere created by the fans at the Mexican Grand Prix rivals that of races like Japan and Italy. The passion and pride for local drivers is nearly unmatched.