OPINION: Sebastian Vettel’s Move to Aston Martin Shouldn’t Be Viewed as His First Step Towards Retirement

Sebastian Vettel is all set to suit up for Aston Martin in the 2021 F1 season. Barring his only podium finish in Turkey, the deal with Aston Martin was the only bit of positive news for Vettel in the last 12 months.

2020 was a bitter pill to swallow for the four-time world champion. Ferrari decided they didn’t need his services for 2021 and made the announcement even before the 2020 campaign began. The way in which they chose to do so angered the fans, but it was clear that Vettel was already low on confidence when the season began.

The car that he drove only made matters worse. Vettel struggled to control the SF1000, and his results were quite shocking. He was comprehensively beaten by teammate Charles Leclerc, too.

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While many fans were happy that Vettel found a drive for this season, there were a good number of skeptics who thought this was merely an opportunity for him to bow out of F1 with some dignity. A one year contract seemingly added to that narrative.

But here’s why that argument may not be true.

Sebastian Vettel is looking to revive his career and not looking to exit out of the back door anytime soon

There are a few food reasons to suggest why Vettel’s stint with Aston Martin isn’t just a road to retirement.

Firstly, team owner Lawrence Stroll has long-term ambitions for the team. Stroll senior has already envisioned his team winning the championship, although the current season may be too early to achieve that. However, he has stated that a challenge may be possible as early as 2022.

He wouldn’t have signed Vettel just for the team to get close to the top. He signed a four-time world champion who has been there and done that so he can capitalize on Vettel’s know-how and experience to lead the team to a title. It’s unlikely that Stroll will let Vettel leave after just one season.

Moreover, the ex-Ferrari man himself would have a point to prove. Despite being the team’s third most successful driver, he was dropped from the team on short notice, in a way that can best be described as unprofessional. Even rival Mercedes’ team boss Toto Wolff felt Vettel delivered to the best of his abilities with what the team provided him.

Vettel’s failure to bring a championship at Maranello could spur him on. He’d want to prove his doubters wrong by bringing the title to the Silverstone-based outfit. He’s surely still a long way from retiring. Any decision on whether he is an expended commodity should be kept for review only at the end of the season.

The four-time world champion hasn’t come to Aston Martin for his last hurrah. He is here to win some silverware.