Vettel will enjoy his first extended run-out for Aston Martin this week in Bahrain during the only pre-season F1 test.
The four-time world champion joined the newly renamed team after leaving Ferrari for 2021, which represents a departure from a factory operation.
Aston Martin received engines and other parts from Mercedes as part of a technical collaboration between the teams and even modeled the design of last year’s Racing Point car after the 2019 Mercedes title winner.
PLUS: The car Aston Martin begins its new F1 journey with
But Vettel turned down the suggestion that Aston Martin wouldn’t be able to fight for wins and championships as long as it was a customer outfit set to become a title contender over the next three to five years.
“I’m not worried about that, I think your fears are old school,” said Vettel.
“The world went on. I think in the past you were probably right.
“With someone like Mercedes, we can be confident that you will receive very fair treatment. And if you are faster, you can beat them.
“As I said, that kind of thinking is out of date. Basically. I see where you are from, but I am not worried.
“If we’re very, very close to Mercedes, that’s a very good performance. So it will be the last thing I would worry about. “
Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin Racing AMR21
Photo by: Aston Martin Racing
2021 will be the first time that Vettel will drive in Formula 1 with Mercedes engines that were previously powered by BMW, Renault and Ferrari.
Vettel said he was curious about working with the German manufacturer’s units, which are widely considered to be the best in Formula 1 and are being used by three customer teams this season.
“The Mercedes engine is said to be the most powerful on the grid, and it will be my first time with Mercedes in Formula 1,” said Vettel.
“I look forward to seeing how they work. I have already been introduced to the aggregate and how it should work and be handled and so on. I think that can only help us.
“The fact that we are obviously not responsible for the engine in its development etc. and that we can benefit from such a strong partner is only a help. We can keep driving the car and worry about it.
“Outside you have people you get along with and you have people you don’t get along with. I don’t think it hurts when you get along.
“But in this case I think the biggest advantage is the fact that we are powered by Mercedes.”
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