Sebastian Vettel 'stopping' F1 "would not have been good" - Aston Martin

Vettel climbing in his car with a pink helmet — Photo: © LAT Images

Aston Martin

Vettel 'stopping' F1 "would not have been good" - Aston Martin

Four-time champion's multi-year deal continues in 2022

Ian Parkes

Saturday 2 October 2021 15:30

Aston Martin team principal Otmar Szafnauer believes it would have been "a shame" if Sebastian Vettel had opted "to stop" F1 at such a critical point in the team's rebirth.

Despite signing a multi-year contract upon joining Aston Martin from Ferrari at the end of last season, option clauses in the deal created complications.

As Szafnauer explained: "When you have options on both sides then it's really like renegotiating but we wanted him to continue and Seb wanted to continue.

Article continues under video

"It's just some of the details that were changed and those had to be discussed, and it doesn't happen that quickly."

The downside for both parties is that the 'renegotiations' took longer than expected and led to a considerable amount of speculation as to whether Vettel would continue.

Szafnauer is at least relieved to know he has a settled partnership for next season that he sees as crucial given the significant overhaul to the regulations.

"I think continuity will definitely help and they work well together," added Szafnauer.

"Sebastian is now getting used to the team more so it would have been a shame for him to stop and us get somebody else that isn't used to the team.

"The team's new, the regulations are new, so it wouldn't have been good.

"Especially in an era like this it's really good to have that continuity, and we have that now with both drivers, which is great."

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Lando Norris follows in Lewis Hamilton's footsteps after being given famous London tribute

31 minutes ago

Max Verstappen Nurburgring LIVE: Free NLS race streams and everything you need to know

1 hour ago

F1 champion claims Fernando Alonso has lost nothing despite being the oldest driver in over 50 years

2 hours ago

Iconic Ayrton Senna F1 car that he NEVER won a race in up for auction at £3.3m

3 hours ago

Toto Wolff shares fresh concerns over Kimi Antonelli F1 mistakes after maiden win

Today 09:44