Formula 1 2020 Motor Sport

[Dylan]

Really early rumours but Vettel to Aston Martin for 2021 gaining pace.

Sebastian Vettel is understood to be in discussions over a deal to join the Aston Martin Formula 1 team in 2021, sources have indicated.

The four-time F1 world champion is believed to have been offered a contract by team owner Lawrence Stroll, who is keen to build the strongest possible package for the rebranding of the current Racing Point team next season. Germany's Bild newspaper, which is usually well-informed on Vettel's plans, has indicated that a deal could be agreed soon.

F1 news: Vettel considering Aston Martin deal for 2021

Sebastian Vettel is understood to be in discussions over a deal to join the Aston Martin Formula 1 team in 2021, sources have indicated.

www.motorsport.com

 

[Deleted member 26]

Which indicates they are willing to buy out Perez's contact or drop Stroll for the right driver.

I was just about to ask this question given the increasing speculation that Vettel is bound for that team..

The better line-up is definitely Vettel and Perez - but would Daddy really leave his son without a drive? Unless he buys Williams as a sister team and Stroll goes back there..

 

[Franco Pinion]

I think it's a great offer if true by Aston as they need a leader if they are to push on in the coming years and Vettel would be a great asset to the team will be tough on Perez but that's racing.

 

[Best]

I don't know if anyone was listening to Paddock Pass last weekend but they brought up the speculation around Racing Point and that they offered a contract to Fernando Alonso.

They seemed to indicate that Lance Stroll would lose the seat and that he was very put out by the fact that Alonso was offered a contract. Vettel and Perez would clearly be the best line up for Racing Point.

There comes a point when a team has developed a car that is competitive enough that the drivers start to make a real impact on the performance of the team. If Racing Point has a car that can compete at the top of the midfield and start to bridge the gap to the top teams. they really need to maximise their driver lineup rather than keeping the owner's son happy. If they have serious aspirations about making Aston Martin a top team, they need to ditch Lance.

 

[Birdman]

There comes a point when a team has developed a car that is competitive enough that the drivers start to make a real impact on the performance of the team. If Racing Point has a car that can compete at the top of the midfield and start to bridge the gap to the top teams. they really need to maximise their driver lineup rather than keeping the owner's son happy. If they have serious aspirations about making Aston Martin a top team, they need to ditch Lance.

I'd completely agree with that. Stroll is just not good enough.

Racing Point would be banking on a rejuvenated Vettel on reduced wages though. The way Seb's form has been for the past 2 years (only 1.5 seasons due to the delayed start) is not worth paying top dollar for. He has the experience but I'd be curious to see if he's any faster than Perez over the course of a season. On current form, I suspect not.

 

[Deleted member 26]

As suspected, it looks like Perez is (wrongly) the one who will be making way for Vettel..

According to the German publication [Bild], although Perez has a contract that runs until the end of 2022, he has an exit clause in that deal.

It states that Racing Point, which will operate under the Aston Martin moniker, can buy out the driver should they decide to go down a different driver path.

The deal, which has to be agreed before 31 July 2020, is currently being negotiated between Perez, his sponsors and the Racing Point bosses.

Once that is agreed, Racing Point will announce Vettel as Stroll's 2021 team-mate.

'Vettel to Aston Martin, Stroll triggers Perez exit clause' | PlanetF1

Sebastian Vettel is "about to sign" with Aston Martin with team owner Lawrence Stroll triggering Sergio Perez's exit clause, reports Bild.

www.planetf1.com

 

[Geezer]

Vettel replacing Perez makes no sense from a drivers point of view. Vettel's form has been very poor the last couple of years. If they make that change its more for marketing than results! Vettel would be a big step up from Stroll but not from Perez. It could actually be a step backwards if, as reported, Perez is booted out the door.

 

[Snoops]

Sergio Perez confirms he's had an approach from a rival team following rumours he could lose his seat at Racing Point to Sebastian Vettel next year.

However he repeatedly pointed out he has a contract to remain with his current team next year, when it will be rebranded as Aston Martin.

"I'm with the team as far as I know," said Perez in response to a question from RaceFans. "I have a contract.

"I think the answer to these questions, it will only be time. We will see what happens in the next weeks. From my point of view I've got a contract with the team, I fully believe in the future of the team."

The speculation linking four-times champion Vettel to his seat is "just part of the game," said Perez.

Perez had approach from rival F1 team following Vettel-to-Aston Martin rumours

Sergio Perez confirms he's had an approach from a rival team following rumours he could lose his seat at Racing Point to Sebastian Vettel next year.

www.racefans.net

Perez saying he's been approached by another team in the paddock, also mentions that Vettel has been extremely lucky to have a good car throughout his career. Bit of a beef brewing!!

 

[Tom]

This must be the most depressing start to a season in years. Mercedes are miles ahead and no one can give them a challenge.

In Hungary, Hamilton was able to pit on lap 4 I think and still come out in 3rd or 4th. That's crazy.

 

[David76]

This must be the most depressing start to a season in years. Mercedes are miles ahead and no one can give them a challenge.

In Hungary, Hamilton was able to pit on lap 4 I think and still come out in 3rd or 4th. That's crazy.

I don't know whether there was an interview with Toto or whether one of the Sky guys was just talking about a conversation with him, but apparently, he said that Ferrari's engine developments over the last couple of years had effectively forced Mercedes into additional development of their own to keep up. When the FIA put a stop to whatever Ferrari was doing this left Mercedes well out in front again. Ferrari somehow managing to shoot themselves in both feet!