Szafnauer refuses to rule out Vettel move for F1 2021

Racing Point Formula 1 team principal Otmar Szafnauer has refused to definitively rule out a move for Sebastian Vettel for 2021, as he declared “watch this space”. 

Vettel, who will part ways from Ferrari at the end of the year, is yet to secure a drive for next season but has been linked to the Aston Martin project when it completes a rebrand from the current Racing Point squad. 

Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, reports in Germany claimed the four-time world champion had been offered a deal to drive for the team next year, despite Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll both having long-term contracts. 

Vettel confirmed he had held “loose talks” with Racing Point but the Silverstone-based outfit has continue to reiterate that its current drivers are under contract. 

“They are both contracted and we are happy with the drivers we have,” Szafnauer said on Friday in Hungary. 

“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.”

According to reports, it is understood that Perez is the driver most at risk of losing his drive should Racing Point opt for Vettel’s services, while Stroll’s seat is believed to be safe given his father Lawrence owns the team. 

Asked specifically about Perez, Szafnauer replied: “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.” 

But interestingly, when pressed about whether Stroll and Perez would definitely be in the cars for 2021, Szafnauer did not rule out that one of his current drivers could leave. 

“It’s tough to predict the future,” he explained. “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.”

Speaking about Vettel’s qualities, Szafnauer added: “He definitely knows how to win. He’s very competitive. 

“I know him as a friend, he’s a lovely guy. I’ve known him for a long time, he’s straightforward, honest and can be very fast – he’s a four-time world champion.”