2021 regulations will influence my F1 future - Vettel

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel says the planned regulation changes for 2021 will influence whether he stays in Formula 1 beyond the end of 2020.

F1 is currently in the process of formalising the next set of sporting and technical rules, scheduled for introduction in 2021, which are being centred around four key pillars: more raceable cars, more competitive grids, cars that have a ‘wow factor’ and a championship that is financially viable.

Vettel, who has repeatedly denied speculation that he is ready to quit the sport at the end of the year after growing increasingly disillusioned and frustrated, says the next regulations will be key to whether he sticks around beyond his current contract, which expires at the end of 2020.

Asked if the rules changes for 2021 will impact whether he decides to continue in F1, Vettel replied: “Of course, yes.

“I think I still need to look at it in a way where the cars are exciting and the formula is exciting. Time is ticking and it is good that we’ve been asked.

“I think we gave our opinion and we will give our opinion again and hopefully we will find the sport taking the right turns to grow and allow us to race and allow us to challenge ourselves and explore our skills.”

Vettel believes the current generation of F1 cars are much more enjoyable to drive at high-speed compared to the ones he raced in his earlier career, though he is keen for weight to be reduced.

“High speed they are top of the class but at low speed I wouldn’t say bottom of the class but they are just too heavy,” he explained. .

“It is something I don’t like. I think a Formula 1 car that I got to know first was very exciting throughout the speed ranges and the race turned out to be a sprint race which was great because you could push throughout in the car and the tyres every lap.

“That has changed a bit and we are managing some races more and some races less. Simply, you enjoy the races you don’t have to manage. You can go flat out.

“Some management will always be there and rightly so because you need to use your head and not just your feet and hands but still I think the one rewarded most should be the fastest guy.”