Sebastian Vettel does not expect “overnight miracles” from Aston Martin

(Motorsport-Total.com) – Who would have thought three months ago that Sebastian Vettel would become Lance Stroll’s teammate in 2021? Before the start of the season, the German seemed to be firmly anchored in Ferrari, and Sergio Pérez would be leaving Racing Point with his new three-year contract also seemed quite unlikely. But since yesterday there is certainty: Sebastian Vettel will drive for Aston Martin in 2021.

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Sebastian Vettel faces a new challenge in Formula 1 in 2021

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“Of course, it’s good to be clear about where the journey is heading next year,” says Vettel, who has been in the media between Aston Martin, Red Bull and the resignation in recent weeks. However, it was clear to him that he would like to remain in Formula 1 if the conditions are right, and at Aston Martin they seem to be the right ones for him. “I’m definitely looking forward to the task and next year with the team,” Vettel said on ‘Sky’.

At Ferrari, the four-time world champion no longer seems happy: “I mog nimma” were his words after the failure at Monza. But that only relates to the current situation, not to Formula 1 in general. According to rumors, Vettel should have decided to switch when he had to watch qualifying for a long time at Monza last week.

Ironically for the Ferrari anniversary

But Vettel says: “It was definitely not a decision I made so suddenly. I thought about it very well and for a long time.” This process was “very exhausting” for him, but at some point the moment came when he made a final decision. And that was not that long ago.

“It certainly hasn’t been long since the final decision until today. Most of this has to do with the fact that Sergio announced yesterday that he was leaving the team,” Vettel said Thursday. “So there is little point in waiting long.”

The bomb went off in Mugello, of all places, where Ferrari is celebrating its 1,000 Formula 1 Grand Prix. Of course, the news from Vettel overshadows the Scuderia celebrations. Vettel himself does not feel strange about it, as he says: “There were more circumstances that led him to that,” he dismisses him. The mockers also say: Ferrari is happy to be called upon.

Vettel: The goal is to be way ahead

But Vettel says: “I think ultimately it is not decisive when, but much more decisive is what and why.” Now the fact is that he will continue his career in Formula 1 and expect good results with Aston Martin. The racing team is in good shape in 2020, but for many this is down to the RP20, which bears striking similarities to the Mercedes W10.

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“It became increasingly clear that the team’s performance was very encouraging,” says Vettel. “It’s about the fact that we want to be up front, and the team shares the aspiration and I share the aspiration. Of course, we all know that Mercedes is clearly the favorite at the moment. But things are very close.”

“The goal is, of course, to narrow the gap in the future and ensure that you are the first or the closest pursuer,” continued the German. It is not known how long the former world champion gives, but Vettel emphasizes that the project is “scheduled for a long time.” “Anyone who knows Formula 1 knows that miracles are not expected overnight.”

Aston Martin well positioned

“Steps forward can only happen if you work hard and together in the right direction. I think the framework conditions are in place. Now we will see what we can do with that.”

By the framework conditions, Vettel refers not only to the current shape, but also to future prospects, which he considers optimistic. The team is already better positioned than in previous years, although the budget cap won’t go into effect until next year and the teams will get closer in the future. “The team is growing while other teams have to downsize,” says Vettel. “There are many things that make me feel safe and happy.”

He goes on to emphasize that it remains to be seen if the time is right. “But I’m sure we will fight for good results in the near future. We will see what happens after that in the future.”

The protest didn’t matter much

However, there are also negative aspects that Vettel cannot ignore. For a long time the sword of Damocles loomed over the Racing Point team. The rear brake vent was declared a copy by Mercedes and therefore illegal, but can continue to be used in 2020.

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Sebastian Vettel wants to be at the forefront with Aston Martin

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At least one major disaster is off the table for now, as all teams have withdrawn their intention to protest the verdict. Here too it is often said that Vettel wanted to wait for the result before committing to Aston Martin. But the German emphasizes: “It did not play an important role for me.”

Instead, he was convinced that the team has been able to take on the big racing teams over and over again in recent years, even on a tight budget. “You did it very well.” And now he still sees enough growth potential in the team, which he wants to help the best he can with his experience.

How close to resignation?

“There is definitely hope and faith in the team and the people. I think they are capable,” Vettel emphasized. “And for the first time they are endowed with decent resources.”

So the hope of good results lives on with him. And that sustained his Formula 1 career for now. Because there were also scenarios where the four-time world champion could have hung up his helmet. Since it was close to that too.

“First I have to think about myself. What is the best for me,” says the still Ferrari driver. “And what I have now decided is the best for me. I am eager to prove it too.”