Aston Martin 'transparency' key to retaining Vettel

Aston Martin

Aston Martin 'transparency' key to retaining Vettel

Four-time F1 champion recently cast doubt on his future

Ian Parkes

Monday 2 May 2022 09:30

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Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack believes openness and transparency are keys to retaining the services of Sebastian Vettel beyond this F1 season.

Krack is at least confident the four-time champion understands the team's limitations following its poor start to the season that was finally alleviated by its first points of the season at the recent Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Aston Martin went into that race at Imola still to score a point and with Vettel refusing to rule out the possibility he could leave F1 at the end of the year if the team's form failed to improve.

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The AMR22 finally showed signs of competitiveness as Vettel finished eighth and team-mate Lance Stroll 10th to lift the team off the foot of the constructors' table.

Assessing what is required for Vettel to remain on board, Krack said: "He is realistic about what we do.

"So it is a matter of trying to merge what we think we have to do, what he thinks we have to do and be open and transparent, have good conversations and move on.

"He is a nice guy, a nice fellow and he understands where our limitations are at the moment but he doesn't stop pushing."

Vettel 'a pleasure to work with'

Although Krack and Vettel have previously worked together at BMW Sauber, that was at the start of the latter's career in F1 since when the 34-year-old German has gained wins, titles, knowledge and experience.

Although only a few weeks into the renewing of their working relationship, Krack has been delighted with Vettel's approach, even in missing the first two grands prix after contracting the coronavirus.

Asked as to what had impressed him most about Vettel, Krack added: "Everything.

"He has a very competitive approach despite the big success that he has already had. He has a very high work ethic that I really share and that I really appreciate.

"There is no time of the day where it is too late to work or to have some input so, from that point of view, it is a pleasure to work with him."