Lawrence Stroll Responds to Mounting Speculations on Sebastian Vettel’s F1 Future

The driver’s market of the ongoing F1 season has been electric, with an unexpectedly huge number of new signings, and driver swaps taking place. And it is still far from over, with Alfa Romeo, yet to confirm their second driver. Amidst all of this, a rumor brewed out of Aston Martin’s driver, Sebastian Vettel.

There were speculations going around that the German would hang his boots following the end of this season. This came as a shock for a while before the team’s boss, Otmar Szafnauer, called it a bluff. He slammed the rumor mill for churning out such claims and affirmed that the 4-time world champion isn’t retiring anytime soon.

Formula One F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – August 1, 2021 Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel celebrates with team members after finishing second Pool via REUTERS/Florion Goga

Well, days later, here is the statement from Aston Martin Racing’s owner, Lawrence Stroll, himself. Vettel’s contract allows the option of extending his stay which is nearing its deadline.

Hence, Stroll openly acknowledged that Aston Martin are very much interested in keeping Vettel beyond 2021.

What did Lawrence Stroll say?

As reported by BBC, Stroll reckoned that he and his entire British racing outfit are absolutely delighted with the former Red Bull world champion.

“We are delighted with Sebastian. It is our firm intention to continue with him next year and beyond,” Stroll said. he further added that he expected an answer on the German’s future “imminently“.

Formula One F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – August 1, 2021 Second placed Sebastian Vettel of Aston Martin celebrates on the podium after the race REUTERS/David W Cerny

Also, Stroll cleared the air around Aston Martin’s possible concerns over Vettel’s ever-growing attention to environmental issues.

He affirmed that he has always been “unconcerned” over the subject, which “have no bearing whatsoever on our strong and ongoing desire for him to continue to drive for us in Formula 1.”

Does Sebastian Vettel have other options?

As of now, Aston Martin remain his best possible option. The German has already claimed ‘two’ podiums on the track this season and a strong P5 at Monte Carlo. And Vettel has visibly been happy with the outfit so far this season despite the constant ups and downs performance-wise.

Hence, the only practical reason why Vettel might decline Aston Martin’s offer is that he wishes to retire.

Formula One F1 – Hungarian Grand Prix – Hungaroring, Budapest, Hungary – July 29, 2021 Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix REUTERS/Florion Goga

This is because there are only 3 seats remaining to choose from; One from Alfa Romeo and two from Haas. While Alfa Romeo have hardly gained a point or two this season, Haas have been much worse, struggling to compete against other teams on the grid.

Therefore, Vettel has nowhere to go, at least until the end of 2022, which would mean that the German will most likely stick with Aston Martin. But of course, uncertainty does prevail over his future beyond 2022.

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