London: Four-time Formula One (F1) champion Sebastian Vettel will drive for Racing Point starting next season. The team, that will be renamed Aston Martin, announced the move Thursday. The Racing Point announcement came a day after driver Sergio Perez said he was on his way out. The team said Sebastian Vettel has signed for the 2021 season ‘and beyond’. However, Racing Point did not reveal the length of the contract.
“The signing of Sebastian is a clear statement of the team’s ambition. We want to establish ourselves as one of the most competitive names in the sport,” Racing Point said in a statement. “As a four-time world champion, Sebastian brings a fresh mindset to the team,” they added.
One of the most successful drivers in F1, Vettel is leaving Ferrari at the end of this season after he was not offered a new contract. He will be replaced by McLaren driver Carlos Sainz at Ferrari next year.
Vettel has won 53 Grand Prix races, a tally only surpassed by Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton. He won four consecutive titles with Red Bull from 2010-13. He then joined Ferrari in 2015 with the aim to win another. But he never had a car really capable of challenging Mercedes during his stint with the Scuderia.
“It’s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company,” Vettel said. “I have been impressed with the results the team have achieved this year and I believe the future looks even brighter. I still have so much love for Formula 1 and my only motivation is to race at the front of the grid,” the driver added.
Racing Point’s other driver is Lance Stroll, the son of co-owner Lawrence Stroll.