Sebastian Vettel to join Aston Martin Racing for 2021

It’s great news for Vettel fans, as the four-time champ and the winner of 53 Grands Prix will remain in the sport, something that looked a little unlikely a few months ago when it was announced, somewhat unceremoniously, he would not have a contract with Ferrari for 2021. Ferrari’s decision to let Vettel go led to quite the driver shuffle, as alongside Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in 2021 will sit current McLaren driver Carlos Sainz Jr. Sainz’s departure in turn left a space at McLaren which has been filled by Daniel Ricciardo, and Ricciardo’s vacant seat was then picked up by two-time champion Fernando Alonso.

Why is Vettel right for Racing Point, soon to be Aston Martin Racing? Because of his experience, says Racing Point: “The signing of Sebastian is a clear statement of the team’s ambition to establish itself as one of the most competitive names in the sport.

“As a four-time World Champion, Sebastian brings a fresh mindset to the team. He is one of the most accomplished and respected drivers in world motorsport and knows what it takes to win at the highest level.

We hope the change bring a new lease of life to Vettel, who has been a little downtrodden since Charles Leclerc joined the team in 2019 and has since largely outperformed him.

“I am pleased to finally share this exciting news about my future,” Vettel said. “I’m extremely proud to say that I will become an Aston Martin driver in 2021.

“It’s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company. I have been impressed with the results the team has achieved this year and I believe the future looks even brighter.

“The energy and commitment of Lawrence [Stroll] to the sport is inspiring and I believe we can build something very special together.

“I still have so much love for Formula 1 and my only motivation is to race at the front of the grid. To do so with Aston Martin will be a huge privilege.”

Otmar Szafnauer, Racing Point’s CEO and Team Principal, is clearly very happy: “Everybody at Silverstone is hugely excited by this news. Sebastian is a proven champion and brings a winning mentality that matches our own ambitions for the future as Aston Martin F1 Team.

“On a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, Sebastian is one of the best in the world, and I can’t think of a better driver to help take us into this new era. He will play a significant role in taking this team to the next level.”

Signing Vettel has come at the expense of Sergio Perez, however. Last August Perez signed a contract extension that would see him stay with the team until the end of the 2022 season, but Perez announced he would be leaving Racing Point at the end of 2020 the evening before Vettel’s signing was announced.

“It hurts a bit as I bet on the team during very rough times," said Perez. "We managed to overcome obstacles and I am very proud of saving the jobs of several of my team-mates.

"I’ll keep the memories of the great moments lived together, the friendships and the satisfaction of always giving it my all.

"I will always be grateful for the opportunity given to me by Vijay Mallya, who believed in me in 2014 and allowed me to continue my F1 career with Force India.

"To the current administration, led by Lawrence Stroll, I wish nothing but the best in the future, specially [sic] with the upcoming Aston Martin project.”

Although the 2021 F1 calendar has not yet been confirmed, it is more than likely that Vettel’s first race for Aston Martin Racing will be at Albert Park, Melbourne, the track that has kicked off every F1 season, with the exception of 2020, since 2011.

Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.