Sebastian Vettel no longer has many options for being on the Formula 1 grid in 2021. A number of doors have been closed thanks to Fernando Alonso’s announcement at Renault and Valtteri Bottas’ upcoming contract at Mercedes. But Vettel may end up at Racing Point. Here he replaces Sergio Perez.
This writes the German magazine image. Reportedly, in the contract of Sergio Perez, which actually runs until the end of 2022, the British racing stable has included an exit clause stating that it can still kick the Mexican out of the team. The pain must then be alleviated by several million dollars. Racing Point has to make the decision before July 31, 2020.
It seems the only remaining option for Vettel, who has to leave Scuderia Ferrari at the end of this season. Earlier this year, the four-time world champion was told by a sudden phone call that he would not race for the Italian racing stable in 2021. Vettel is replaced with McLaren driver Carlos Sainz.
Racing Point flattered by Vettel’s interest
Racing Point’s Otmar Szafnauer recently said he was ‘flattered’ by the Ferrari driver’s interest in the light of rumors of a transfer from Vettel to the Silverstone-based team, but noted that had to have a seat free.
Racing Point has indicated several times in recent months by wanting with Perez and Lance Stroll, who is the son of team owner Lawrence Stroll. A departure from the Canadian driver does not seem realistic, so Perez’s future with the team is automatically uncertain.
Update 08:30 (15/07) | “Stroll made a contract offer to Vettel”
The stories surrounding a possible transfer of Sebastian Vettel are starting to become stronger with various media that are generally well-entered. According to Autosport Racing Point de Heppenheimer has made an offer.
The four-time world champion has been offered a contract by Racing Point owner Lawrence Stroll. Of course he would like the strongest driver line-up possible to advertise the brand, ‘says the British medium.
Christian Horner already indicated during the second race weekend in Austria that there was talk of a German coming: “I think he has a number of options, I assume it will be Racing Point or a gap year.”
However, the Red Bull Racing team boss indicated that when a transfer would come, he expects Sergio Perez to be shown the door. In any case, Lance Stroll, the son of the team owner, would continue to work for the Silverstone racing stable.
Update 20:00 (15/07) | Perez already looking for new F1 seat because of Vettel deal
It is becoming more and more like a transfer from Sebastian Vettel to Racing Point is imminent. Sergio Perez is said to be already aware of the move and has therefore put his agent to work to find Formula 1 seats for him, reports ESPN.
Perez’s agent, Julian Jacobi, has been busy for weeks talking to F1 teams who still have a seat for the 2021 season. Haas F1 and Alfa Romeo Racing are among the alternatives for the Mexican driver, but Racing Point is also a possibility. But then team owner Lawrence Stroll will have to make a difficult choice and decide to send son Lance out.
Perez actually has a contract with Racing Point until 2022, but due to an exit clause in his contract that can be changed until the end of this month. The sports network also reports that the deal between Racing Point and Vettel has almost been completed. Vettel only has to put his signature. The announcement must follow August 2 at Silverstone, home of the team. (Photo: Racing Point Media)
