sk-logo
hero-image

Racing Point boss Szafnauer keeps cards close to chest over move for 'friend' Vettel

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel

Otmar Szafnauer says Racing Point are happy with Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez but declared "watch this space" after the team held talks with Sebastian Vettel.

Vettel on Thursday confirmed he had been involved in "loose talks" with Racing Point over a potential move for the 2021 Formula One season.

Stroll and Perez remain under contract for what will be the first year for the team as Aston Martin following a rebrand. 

Racing Point team principal Szafnauer on Friday stated Vettel's credentials cannot be questioned, but gave little away as to whether the German will join the Silverstone-based squad after leaving Ferrari.

"He definitely knows how to win. He's very competitive. I know him as a friend, he's a lovely guy," said Szafnauer.

"I've known him for a long time, he's straight-forward, honest and can be very fast – he's a four-time world champion."

Szafnauer said is to too early to be discussing who will be behind the wheel for Aston Martin next year on a day that saw Vettel go fastest in FP2 at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Asked about the futures of Perez and Stroll, he replied: "They are both contracted and we are happy with the drivers we have.

"It is the silly season already, which I can't fathom as we have only done two races, and we are already talking about driver changes. But we are happy with the two we have and they are contracted."

Quizzed about Perez in particular, Szafnauer said: "Like I said, he's contracted. Checo's focus is to do the best he can this year with our car.

"I think he's had two great races. Checo has to focus on the task at hand, which is qualifying the best we can and putting good races in."

He added: "It's tough to predict the future. What they need to do is do the best they can. They are contracted. Watch this space, we'll see where we go. But our intention is never to not honour our contracts."

You may also like