Aston Martin now not ruling out Vettel move

Racing Point team boss, Otmar Szafnauer, is now not ruling outSebastian Vetteljoining the team when they change their name to Aston Martin.

Vettel has made it clear that he still has the passion and motivation to continue in Formula 1 after his Ferrari contract expires at the end of the 2020 season.

His options, though, had seemingly dried up with Mercedes all but confirming that they will stick withLewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottasfor 2021 and Renault set to confirm Fernando Alonso as Daniel Ricciardo’s replacement.

Vettel had also been linked with the team soon to be called Aston Martin after his Ferrari exit was confirmed but, back in May, Szafnauer suggested that he was not being considered.

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“It’s an interesting idea, but we prefer to go for the best drivers we already have,”Szafnauer told Radio Canada.

“如果我们给他们最好的车,他们too can win races and possibly become World Champions. Our two drivers get along well and they are bound by contract for 2020 and 2021.”

However, following the season opening Austrian Grand Prix, Szafnauer’s stance now appears to have changed.

“It’s flattering to have people make those kind of rumours around a four-time world champion and I think it was rumoured that Alonso was also interested as well,” Szafnauer told Sky Germany.

“It is flattering but right now what we’re focused on is racing well, having a good season and what we do next year there’s still time to decide.

“I’ve been friends with Sebastian since he was young so I’m always talking to him.

“We still have time to decide.”

If Vettel was to join Aston Martin for next season, something would have to give with their current driver line-up.

Perez signed a new three-year contract extension back in August 2019 which does not expire until the end of the 2022 campaign, while the expectation has always been that Lance Stroll will continue to partner him as his father, Lawrence, owns the team.

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