Vettel to drive for Aston Martin in F1 2021

Sebastian Vettel will drive for the Racing Point Formula 1 team when it rebrands to Aston Martin for 2021.

Vettel will replace the outgoing Sergio Perez in the Silverstone outfit’s driver line-up alongside Lance Stroll on a multi-year deal.

The four-time world champion will complete his switch from Ferrari at the end of the season after the Scuderia opted against offering Vettel a new deal and instead signing current McLaren driver Carlos Sainz to partner Charles Leclerc. 

Vettel’s signature marks a huge coup and statement of intent for the soon-to-be Aston Martin works squad, having secured the services of one of F1’s most successful drivers in history with four world titles and 53 grand prix victories to his name.

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

"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.”

Vettel’s arrival finally ends a long-running saga over who will drive for Racing Point next season, with the German having been the subject of much speculation surrounding a possible switch to the team for months.

Racing Point team principal and CEO Otmar Szafnauer said Vettel's arrival will play a "significant role in taking this team to the next level". 

“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," he added.

"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.”

After holding loose talks in recent months, Vettel accepted Racing Point’s contract offer and will fill the seat vacated by Perez, whose own F1 future has now been left uncertain after the Mexican admitted he currently has no “plan B”.

With a lack of seats left available on the grid for next year, the most obvious landing spots for Perez appear to come at Alfa Romeo or Haas.