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Before the Tuscan Grand Prix at Racing Point Announced on signing a contract with Sebastian Vettel. In the traditional press conference on Thursday, most of the questions for the four-time world champion were about the transfer to the British team, which from next year will be called Aston Martin.
Question: Sebastián, how can you comment on the signed contract?
Sebastian Vettel: It seems to me that I made the right decision. I thought a lot about my future, what would be best for me. The contract announcement was short, but I’m glad everyone knows by now. Probably now many questions are closed, and if not, then I am ready to answer. Then I need to go back to my current job and, when the season is over, prepare for next year.
Q: How easy was the decision to sign with Racing Point?
Sebastian Vettel: The decision was not easy. The last few weeks and months have been pretty busy. I found myself in a new situation for me, but from day one I felt like I wanted to stay in Formula 1. As the season progressed, the team’s form became more and more apparent and those results appealed to me, especially as the upcoming changes in the rules will equalize the odds.
For the first time, a team will be able to qualify for high positions, as it will have as much money as the rest. This year they have shown what they are capable of. For my part, I am ready to help in every way. I am very excited and looking forward to getting started.
The news about the contract was published fairly quickly after signing. Sergio made his announcement last night, and it was correct that we did not delay the announcement.
Question: Are you excited about the next transition?
Sebastian Vettel: Of course, but I’m still playing for Ferrari and the team has an important weekend. I want to do my job as well as possible, but at the same time I am very interested in the future. Time will tell, but I have a good feeling.
I have known some people at Racing Point for quite some time, this year’s results are encouraging and the upcoming changes in Formula 1 are encouraging. Aston Martin is returning to Formula 1 and I am delighted to be part of this project.
Question: How long is the contract? Are you encouraged by the fact that the team is supported by Mercedes?
Sebastian Vettel: First, we do not disclose the details of the contract. Second, Mercedes now has an advantage over everyone, which will be maintained not only next year. But an interesting challenge awaits me.
Of course, I want to fight in the forefront, not behind, and I think the team will give me that opportunity. The team is ready to grow and move forward, I’m glad we do it together. The budget caps will go into effect next season, so we can see how they actually work. This season the team is already much better than in previous years. The team is growing, while others will have to downsize, many things give me confidence, but only time will put everything in its place.
Now I think I made the right decision. We have an exciting project and I am confident that we will fight for good results in the near future. Later we will discover what the more distant future holds.
Question: During the negotiations, did you speak not only to Lawrence Stroll and Otmar Safnauer, but also to other employees? Have you been able to assess the potential of the team?
Sebastian Vettel: The team has great potential for growth and those prospects are always fascinating. I have done my due diligence in evaluating the performance and potential of the team. Of course, I know some of the people on the team; I have known Otmar for more than ten years. I asked questions and I was pleased with the answers.
The second question, to which I needed an answer, is what exactly do I want, how do I see my future in Formula 1. When these questions were cleared up, I realized what I had to do.
Q: Did Ferrari find out the reason for the brake failure at Monza?
Sebastian Vettel: The investigation is ongoing. We realized what had happened: the brakes were overheated, especially the rear ones. We noticed a malfunction a few laps before departure, we tried to fix it, but the brakes failed. This was a surprise. It is necessary to deal with the cause of the failure and overheating.
As I said, the investigation is ongoing, but we are pretty sure this will not happen again. In fact, I was lucky because the brake failure at Monza is particularly nasty, but it worked.
Question: Does it bother you that in 2022 the team has to develop the car on its own?
Sebastian VettelA: In recent weeks there has been a lot of talk about this subject, but for me they do not play an important role, because I am convinced of the strength of the team. In recent years, without much money, the team played at the level of richer rivals. I think the team has enough courage to show that people are wrong
Even considering the circumstance you mentioned, I don’t think this will affect Racing Point in any way, as the team has enormous potential for growth. Glad to join them with all my experience. I will help the team to occupy the highest positions possible. Of course, I don’t know how to predict the future, but I hope and believe in the team. I think they can do a lot, for the first time they have everything they need.
Q: How close were you to leaving Formula 1?
Sebastian Vettel: I was close, but I don’t think it can be measured in numbers. It was close in the sense that I had a lot to think about and decide which option was best for me. I have now made my decision and hope to prove that I was not wrong.
Q: Do you want to get ahead of Ferrari with Aston Martin?
Sebastian Vettel: I look forward to the changes, because I believe we have the potential to perform well. This is the answer. It doesn’t matter what positions the other teams are in. You need to think about yourself, solve your own problems, and then look at where the rest are.
The team has great potential and smart employees, so I look forward to helping them realize that potential. It’s great if we do it right away, but we may have to go step by step. I look forward to helping you and I look forward to the next collaboration.
Q: Has your attitude towards Ferrari changed now?
Sebastian VettelA: I moved to Ferrari not just to play for Ferrari and win races, but to win titles. Obviously, we didn’t make it. We did not become champions, but together we lived happy moments that I will not forget. There are people on the team who help me, I have found friends here, maybe friends for life. I don’t regret the years at Ferrari, the team has become a big part of my life.
Ferrari means a lot to me, because I grew up thanks to the success of Michael Schumacher. Of course I wanted to achieve more, but we have experienced both setbacks and moments of success. Now is the time for both parties to move on.
