Sebastian Vettel Holds the Cards to His F1 Future and the 2021 Driver Market

Just over 2 months ago, it seemed like Sebastian Vettel’s days in F1 were numbered.  With the former World Champion announcing his split from Ferrari and the top teams seemingly out of grasp, Sebastian Vettel had no realistic options heading into 2021.

Two months on and Vettel’s current F1 situation has changed dramatically. From a man desperately searching for a race seat, Vettel now holds the cards which could decide his own future in the sport and that of a few more drivers.

Sebastian Vettel not time-bound to sign Aston Martin deal

What started off as a baseless rumor quickly spread to a major online petition to keep Sergio Perez at Racing Point. With Vettel poised to usurp his coveted Aston Martin seat, the Mexican recently acknowledged the fact that an exit clause does exist in his contract.

As per reports from F1.com, Perez is in talks with Alfa Romeo to join the Swiss outfit in 2021. Unfortunately, Checo moving to Alfa would see Kimi Raikkonen effectively pushed out from F1.

According to F1.com writer Lawrence Barretto, Aston Martin has offered Vettel a contract for next year. The best part? Vettel allegedly has time at his disposal to think things through before putting ink on paper.

“My sources say Vettel has been offered a deal that would bring him on board next season. With the German left to take his time to mull that over. Three, naturally, doesn’t go into two.”

Vettel’s transformation from a driver seeking a drive to effectively controlling Raikkonen and Perez’s future is alarming. Alarming, but not shocking.

Additionally, fans who’ve followed the sport long enough are familiar with the workings of F1 ‘silly season’. As a result, this is classic silly season and the ball rests in Vettel’s court.

“My sources suggest Alfa Romeo are the ones interested in recruiting the Mexican. In what would be a return to the squad–then known as Sauber”

From Vettel’s perspective, joining Aston Martin really is a no brainer unless he has an eye on a more appealing seat. Moreover, could a prospective option at a top team be the reason why Seb’s stalling his decision?

For now, we can only wait for the man himself to decide his F1 fate.