Four-time champion Vettel signs for Aston Martin in 2021 as Perez departs

It was perhaps one of the most open secrets in the Formula One paddock, but Racing Point has confirmed ahead of the Tuscan Grand Prix weekend that Sebastian Vettel will join the rebranded Aston Martin team for the 2021 season, replacing the outgoing Sergio Perez.

Despite Ferrari’s recent struggles with their car, there is no question that four-time champ Vettel is still one of the hottest properties on the F12 grid, and his race craft and experience is a real statement of intent for Aston Martin to fight it out at the front end of the grid.

CONFIRMED: Four-time @F1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel signs up for 2021 and beyond 🖋️

Get the full story right here ⬇️https://t.co/zI8JeBEemc #F1

— BWT Racing Point F1 Team (@RacingPointF1) September 10, 2020

“Everybody at Silverstone is hugely excited by this news,” commented Otmar Szafnauer, CEO & Team Principal. “Sebastian is a proven champion and brings a winning mentality that matches our own ambitions for the future as Aston Martin F1 Team. On a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, Sebastian is one of the best in the world, and I can’t think of a better driver to help take us into this new era. He will play a significant role in taking this team to the next level.”

With Lance Stroll currently enjoying his most competitive season to date and lying fourth in the drivers’ standings at the time of writing, he and Vettel will form a formidable driver pairing that will be one of the most competitive on paper.

For four-time champ and 53-time race winner Vettel, the move from Ferrari to Aston Martin was simply an opportunity that he could not turn down.

“I am pleased to finally share this exciting news about my future. I’m extremely proud to say that I will become an Aston Martin driver in 2021,” said Vettel. “It’s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company. I have been impressed with the results the team has achieved this year and I believe the future looks even brighter.

“The energy and commitment of Lawrence [Stroll] to the sport is inspiring and I believe we can build something very special together. I still have so much love for Formula 1 and my only motivation is to race at the front of the grid. To do so with Aston Martin will be a huge privilege.”