F1 News
Who needs to make way for Vettel? "I wouldn't put my own son out''
- GPblog.com
Sebastian Vettel seems on his way to a seat at Racing Point (Aston Martin from 2021 onwards) in 2021, but who will have to leave? Both drivers seem to have a contract for 2021, so who will make room?
Vettel put on the street
Even before the Formula 1 season started in 2020, it was announced that Vettel will leave Ferrari at the end of 2020. The four-time world champion will therefore be put out on the streets by the Italians and despite a mountain of titles, not every team is ready to take on the German.
For example, Red Bull Racing was very quick with their answer that they are sticking with the current drivers and with Max Verstappen they already have a first driver. Mercedes kept the door ajar out of courtesy, but in the meantime has already extended the contract with Valtteri Bottas and it would be very strange if Lewis Hamilton suddenly stops and Vettel takes his place.
So Vettel has to look further on the grid if he wants to stay in Formula 1. McLaren chose Daniel Ricciardo over Vettel and Renault brought Fernando Alonso back. The only other option seemed to be Racing Point, but everyone was convinced that there was no possibility here. Until Vettel suddenly had a lot of contact with Lawrence Stroll and Otmar Szafnauer.
Who needs to make way for Aston Martin?
The rumours took shape when Alonso revealed that he had also been with Racing Point. The world looked up in amazement. Is there still a seat available here? At the end of 2020 Sergio Perez signed a long-term contract until 2023 and as the son of the owner, Lance Stroll also seemed certain of his seat.
Nothing could be further from the truth, because everyone is sure that Vettel will be announced by Racing Point in the near future. He is clear who should leave then. ''In that situation I wouldn't throw out my own son either'', Perez told the Spanish Movistar.
Yet the door doesn't seem closed to Perez. Firstly, the driver has a contract and secondly, he has proven his worth to the team more than once. Lawrence Stroll doesn't own the team on his own, so a (temporary) departure of son Lance can't be excluded. A short performance for another team is an option or will Perez's contract still be bought out?