German Formula 1 driver Sebastian Vettel will stay at Aston Martin for yet another season (2022) alongside teammate, Canadian Lance Stroll.
Aston Martin sits seventh in the constructors' championship with four-time world champion Vettel taking their best result as the German finished second in Azerbaijan. "I am really looking forward to racing the new generation of Formula One cars," Vettel said following his contract extension with Aston Martin. "Their look is very different and the new technical regulations should give us cars that can race much more closely than recently."
The 34 year old joined Aston Martin after six seasons at Ferrari, the last two of which were difficult as he faced the challenge of new team-mate Charles Leclerc and then a final season in which he started knowing the team had already signed his replacement. He has had an up-and-down 2021 season, taking a podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix amid a mix of both strong and unconvincing performances. Team owner Lawrence Stroll, father of Vettel's team-mate; Lance Stroll, said earlier this week that he was "delighted" with Vettel.
Lance Stroll, meanwhile, added: “Next season I will be embarking on my sixth year in Formula 1, alongside my team mate Sebastian… 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.”
Lawrence Stroll said the team’s first season since its rebranding from Racing Point to Aston Martin had “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. “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.” Lawrence said.