Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto says he expects Sebastian Vettel to be a strong competitor when the four-time World Champion moves to Aston Martin next year.
Vettel’s contract with Ferrari expires at the end of 2020 and in May he was informed by Binotto that he was not going to be involved in its future.
Vettel was strongly linked to Racing Point – which will be rebranded as Aston Martin from 2021 – for several months.
Earlier this week Sergio Perez confirmed his exit from the team and Vettel was duly revealed as his replacement on a multi-year deal.
Vettel has spent six seasons competing for Ferrari, twice finishing runner-up in the championship, taking 14 victories.
“We are very happy for that conclusion,” said Binotto on Vettel’s next career move.
“I think the fact that we told him very early in the season our decision for next year was really to give him all the chances to find a seat for 2021, so finally very happy for him as a person.
“As a driver, I think it’s great for Formula 1 that’s Seb’s still part of the line-ups next year because he’s still a four-times World Champion and I think he’s a fantastic driver.
“Will he do well in Aston Martin or Racing Point or whatever it is? I think yes, I hope he’s doing well, certainly.
“I think we can challenge him next year and hopefully we’ll be simply ahead.”
Carlos Sainz will replace Vettel at Ferrari, alongside Charles Leclerc, who is contracted through 2024.
