Google News Sebastian Vettel names his successor at Aston Martin
by | VIEW 301
Sebastian Vettel surprised the F1 public after he decided to end his career at the end of this season. The decision he thought about for a long time was finally made. "The decision to retire has been a difficult one for me to take, and I have spent a lot of time thinking about it," Vettel said, as quoted by motorsport.
"At the end of the year I want to take some more time to reflect on what I will focus on next; it is very clear to me that, being a father, I want to spend more time with my family. "But today is not about saying goodbye.
Rather, it is about saying thank you - to everyone - not least to the fans, without whose passionate support Formula 1 could not exist." Lawrence Stroll hoped that Vettel could change his mind, but he still chose what was best for him.
"I want to thank Sebastian from the bottom of my heart for the great work that he has done for Aston Martin over the past year and a half," he said. "We made it clear to him that we wanted him to continue with us next year, but in the end he has done what he feels is right for himself and his family, and of course we respect that.
He has driven some fantastic races for us, and, behind the scenes, his experience and expertise with our engineers have been extremely valuable. "He is one of the all-time greats of Formula One, and it has been a privilege to have been able to work with him.
He will continue to race for us up to and including the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which will be his 300th grand prix entry. We will give him a fabulous send-off." Vettel impressed many fans when he revealed who he would like to succeed him on the team.
“Well, obviously, I spoke to Lawrence and told him that I’m not going to continue,” Vettel said as per The Race. “We did have a very, very brief chat about what might be next. “I do have my opinion.
“I think very highly of Mick. I’m not entirely objective because I’m very close to him. But I do think he’s a great driver and is a learner.
Sebastian Vettel; on Mick Schumacher
Vettel thinks that Mick has great potential and that he has a lot to learn.
“He keeps learning when others stall or stop making progress. He does have qualities but he’s also very young still, he doesn’t have a lot of experience. “I don’t know, it’s not my decision.
If I’m asked I will give my opinion and not hold back. But in the end, the team will have to make that decision”. Mick Schumacher also reacted to Vettel's comments: “Obviously, there is still lots to do here so that is where my focus lies at the moment and what the future brings, we will see.
“Never say never, but obviously, my focus is Budapest right now. “Ferrari is full and here [Haas] is not. What happens, we will see. Again, if there is anything that we have a feeling that we need to share, we will share it at the right moment”.