Positive news has become a rarity for Sebastian Vettel in Formula 1. The four-time world champion seemed all the happier when he crossed the finish line in sixth place on Sunday in Baku. Even before the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the Heppenheimer had spoken publicly about a possible resignation. Does the recent development contribute to the decision-making?
Sebastian Vettel hasn’t looked so happy for a long time. “Satisfaction prevails,” said the 34-year-old after the race in Azerbaijan. The former champion achieved his best result of the season to date on the street circuit in Baku.
Apart from an unintentional excursion into the run-off zone, Vettel was convincing. Without the mistake on lap 13, his team “would have had an easier race,” Vettel noted on the “Sky” microphone. Overall, the ex-world champion spoke of a “good weekend”.
Those good weekends have been in short supply for Vettel and Aston Martin this season, which is why Vettel was increasingly in demand as a crisis manager. The sobering results did not leave the Germans unaffected.
Vettel speaks openly about possible resignation
Before the Grand Prix in Azerbaijan, Vettel spoke openly about his future in Formula 1. It would depend “on this year and the next races”. “I haven’t decided yet,” admitted Vettel, announcing a decision in the coming months. “Summer is usually the time when talks start. We’ll see,” Vettel avoided a clear statement.
One thing is certain: saying goodbye to Formula 1 would not be easy for the former dominator. “I’ve raced my whole life. That gives you security because other people make the schedule for you. I don’t know what life after Formula 1 looks like,” Vettel said honestly.
On the other hand, he has no desire to live in the dreary mediocrity, explained the Heppenheimer. However, Aston Martin finds itself in this mediocrity in Formula 1 at best. In the team classification, the traditional British racing team is currently tied with Haas as penultimate.
Aston Martin is making strides in Formula 1
At least Aston Martin is trending in the right direction. While Haas can no longer confirm the positive impression from the first weeks of the season, Vettel’s team has been making progress since the first upgrades. The gap to AlphaTauri and Alfa Romeo should be closed quickly.
Vettel himself didn’t want to spread too much euphoria in Baku: “We also had street courses now. We’ll have to see if we can get on a track again. I think the first real track that happens to us is Silverstone.”
Before the British Grand Prix (3 July, LIVE on RTL), the F1 circus is traveling to Canada this weekend. Aston Martin wants to confirm the positive impression from Azerbaijan at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. The race in Montreal will provide Vettel with the next insights into the performance of his car – and thus further contribute to the decision-making process.
Will Vettel continue? Aston Martin “very, very confident”
The four-time world champion is only tied to Aston Martin until the end of the year. The racing team hopes to expand the cooperation. Team boss Mike Krack was “very, very confident” in a recent RTL/ntv interview that Vettel hasn’t had enough.
“If you see him in a debrief or on the phone, how he gets involved: Nobody drives like that who doesn’t want to drive. Nobody who doesn’t want to drive acts like that,” the 50-year-old is sure.
There is no deadline for a possible contract extension, assured Krack. The best decision-making aid is likely to be further improvements to the AMR22.
Jannik Kube