Reports: Ricciardo a Candidate To Replace Vettel As Surprise Alfa Romeo Name Also Linked to Aston Martin F1

Sebastian Vettel joined the newly branded Aston Martin team at the beginning of the 2021 season. The 4-time world champion has done a sterling job in his debut season with the team. He finished P2 in Baku to bring home the team’s first podium and also finished P2 in Hungary before his disqualification.

But the German driver has recently mentioned that he has still not signed with the team for next season. In 2022, F1 will introduce new regulations and new cars to promote closer racing. This change could prove beneficial for midfield teams like Aston Martin.

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I’ve never talked about my contractual events: Sebastian Vettel

As reported by Motorsport. it, the Aston Martin driver stated he has never discussed his contractual negotiations in public and does not plan to start now.

“I still can’t tell you anything, and I’ve never talked about my contractual events. You will know something soon,” said Vettel on his contract extension with Aston Martin.

Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 2, 2021 Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel during the FIA Press Conference Pool via REUTERS/Kenzo Tribouillard

Although it is highly unlikely that Seb will not sign an extension with the team for the 2022 season. But the Silverstone-based team should layout their Plan-B as well in case Vettel calls it a day.

Aston Martin will not like to be caught off-guard if Vettel announces his departure from the team. But surprisingly, there will be some prominent options for the team in this event.

READ MORE: What Is the McLaren Driver Lineup for the 2021 F1 Season?

Could Daniel Ricciardo leave McLaren to join Aston Martin?

Daniel Ricciardo joined McLaren at the beginning of the year as well. But his season has not gone to expectation as he has struggled to match his teammate’s pace this season. So there is a possibility that the Aussie driver can jump ship from McLaren to Aston Martin if Seb Vettel chooses to leave the team.

Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 2, 2021 McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo with Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel during the FIA Press Conference Pool via REUTERS/Kenzo Tribouillard

Other than the Honey Badger, the most obvious choice would be Nico Hulkenberg. The German driver is the official reserve driver of the team and knows them well, as he previously drove for them in different brand names.

Robert Kubica would be another option for the Silverstone-based team, but it is highly unlikely. Kubica is currently deputizing for Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo but has been out of the sport. He will be a consideration but won’t be at the top of Aston’s wishlist.

Who will Aston Martin pick if Vettel leaves? Let us know.

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