It was one of F1’s worst-kept secrets, but earlier this month Racing Point announced the commitment of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel to lead the team into their new era as the Aston Martin F1 Team. Boss Otmar Szafnauer said the German would bring “1000 little things” to raise the team to another level.
Vettel, who is dropped by Ferrari, will extend his stay in F1 for at least two more years. He will replace Sergio Perez from the Silverstone-based team and drive alongside billionaire owner Lawrence Stroll’s son Lance. And Szafnauer can hardly wait for Vettel to start.
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“He will take the team to another level and I am sure that there will be 1000 little things that will help us to improve that can then take us to a new level,” said Szafnauer.
“I think he will have a world champion work ethic and we all want to learn from that.
“Everyone needs to improve their game and he’ll be a great mentor to Lance too. He’s still relatively young and very fast and it’s great for Lance to learn from a four-time world champion. “
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Leclerc and Vettel at the blindfolded challenge in Mugello
When Vettel was signed, Racing Point had to part with Perez, a driver who has achieved five of the team’s six podiums and has become part of the family. Szafnauer admits it was a tough decision, but ultimately it was one that was made in the best interests of the team.
“It wasn’t an easy call because Checo served us well,” said Szafnauer. “He’s a great racing driver, a fast driver and a safe pair of hands on a Sunday. “I think it’s a compliment to Checo that we had to think so long about whether we should take a four-time world champion with all the experience that Seb brings or stay with Checo.
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Perez will make way for Vettel at Racing Point next year when the team becomes Aston Martin
“It will be difficult [to say goodbye to Perez]. Checo is a good guy and a great racing driver who has served us well over the years. He was great on a Sunday and got faster with his one lap pace on Saturday. He was always reliable too.
“He’s a real professional and we’re looking forward to the remaining races with Checo. We hope he can peak and hopefully face him in the future. But when a four-time world champion like Sebastian becomes available, it doesn’t happen every day or every year, and we had to carefully consider our options.
“We are committed to moving the team forward and we are working hard to invest in all areas of the team at Silverstone to deploy the infrastructure and resources where they are needed.
“With Sebastian I know what he will bring to the team massively. It’s all the experience we’ve gained from winning four world championships and 53 races – and we want to learn from it. “
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