Aston Martin ended all speculations of its driver line-up by confirming Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll for the 2022 F1 season.
In the leading up to the confirmation from Aston Martin, there were plenty of speculation regarding Vettel – even to the extent that the German could have been dropped. There were stories of Lawrence Stroll meeting Flavio Briatore – who manages Fernando Alonso.
Aston Martin confirmed of the meeting, but noted it was usual friends meet during the summer break and not related to driver line-up. In the last last triple header, it came to light that Vettel had a 1+1 contract, with an option for 2022.
Much like how it was with Alonso and Alpine, the similar story played with Vettel and Aston Martin, as they negotiated the last bit of their deal in these days. They have now confirmed both the German and Stroll for the 2022 F1 season.
“I am really looking forward to racing the new generation of Formula One cars,” said Vettel. “Their look is very different and the new technical regulations should give us cars that can race much more closely than recently. More exciting racing will be great for the drivers as well as for the fans.
“The changes are so big that every team will be starting from a new beginning, so it will be a great opportunity for us at Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team. I believe in the strength of our new growing team, so I am already looking forward to 2022.”
At the same time, Stroll, stated: “Next season I will be embarking on my sixth year in Formula One, alongside my team-mate Sebastian. We started this Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team campaign together and I greatly look forward to continuing the journey with him next year.
“We have not achieved what we set out to do this year, but that has only amplified our hunger and drive for success next season. Now, with the prestige and support of Aston Martin, and the brilliant new sponsor-partners that such a prestigious brand has attracted, we are well positioned to improve our performance in 2022.”
Among the bosses, Aston Martin chief Lawrence is happy to retain the line-up for 2022. “The first ever season for Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One Team got off to a disappointing start, owing to the regulatory changes over the winter that disadvantaged the two teams whose cars utilise a low-rake aero philosophy,” said Stroll.
“But we have made good progress over the past few months, and both Lance and Sebastian have delivered some excellent performances. They have had more than their fair share of bad luck, but in 2022 we are delighted to be continuing with such an excellent blend of youthful talent and experienced expertise.”
At the same time, Otmar Szafnauer said: “Lance is one of the most gifted drivers in modern Formula One, and to that raw talent he is now adding serious racecraft. A four-time world champion, having driven 271 Grands Prix, of which he has won 53, Sebastian is also a massive asset to our team, and next year we expect both of them to race well in what will be a very different formula from the current one. We never under-estimate our opposition, so we do not intend to over-promise, but we know that Lance and Sebastian will get the very best from the tools we will put at their disposal.”
Here’s Aston Martin starting the construction work