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Four times world champion to join current Racing Point team after Ferrari launch; “I think together we can build something very special,” says Vettel.
By James Galloway
Last Updated: 09/10/20 8:20 am
Sebastian Vettel has signed to join Racing Point to spearhead its new-era Aston Martin in a move that extends the four-time world champion’s Formula 1 career through 2021.
Replacing veteran Sergio Perez, who announced his departure from the team on Wednesday night, Vettel will drive alongside Lance Stroll.
Although the length of the contract was not specified, the team says it has joined for “2021 and beyond.”
Vettel was informed in May that he would not renew his contract with Ferrari and has repeatedly said that he was taking time to consider his options whether or not to stay in the sport.
“It’s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company,” said Vettel. “I am impressed with the results the team has achieved this year and I think the future looks even brighter.
“Lawrence’s Energy and Commitment [Stroll] Sport is inspiring and I believe that together we can build something very special. I still have a lot of love for Formula 1 and my only motivation is to race at the front of the grid. Doing it with Aston Martin will be a great privilege. “
Racing Point takes fourth place in this year’s Constructors’ Championship, two places ahead of giant Ferrari, after a huge leap in performance with a car that has sparked controversy from rivals due to its resemblance to the winning Mercedes. from last year’s title.
The Silverstone-based team is looking for even greater progress when it takes the name next season’s Aston Martin, the British sports car brand that was bought by the team’s billionaire co-owner, Lawrence Stroll, earlier this year.
Vettel is the first of the three world champions on the current grid to enter F1 2020.
Lewis Hamilton is expected to re-sign with Mercedes, although he has not yet done so, but there is uncertainty about the future of Kimi Raikkonen, 40, at Alfa Romeo.
Two-time champion Fernando Alonso returns with Renault.
More to follow …
Who’s driving for whom in 2020?
Mercedes: Valtteri Bottas and TBC
Red Bull: Max Verstappen and TBC
McLaren: Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris
Aston Martin: Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll
Renault: Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon
Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz
AlphaTauri: TBC
Alfa Romeo: TBC
Haas: To be confirmed:
Williams: George Russell and Nicholas Latifi
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