Aston Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll says Sebastian Vettel “has something to prove” at Aston Martin and is confident the German’s talents aren’t waning.
Vettel’s form has struggled in recent seasons which ultimately led to Ferrari not renewing his contract, a decision they made prior to the 2020 Formula 1 season.
Stroll questioned the timing of that decision and believes it could have been a factor in Vettel’s performance slump, but insists an F1 champion doesn’t simply forget how to drive fast.
“A four-time world champion doesn’t forget how to drive all of a sudden,” Stroll told Xinhuanet. “Having your contract terminated before the season even starts isn’t the best way of motivating somebody to get them focused on the job at hand.
“This guy has got something to prove, and he’s raring to go.”
The team aren’t only counting on Vettel’s speed, but also his experience as they transition from Racing Point to Aston Martin this year.
“Sebastian is clearly a great driver. He is a four-time world champion, and my guys haven’t been world champions yet, so he brings that knowledge to help lift the team to a new level of understanding of how you need to act and perform to do so.”
That’s all part of Stroll and Aston Martin’s plans to become a top player in the sport, and the team is investing heavily in its facilities too with work having already commenced on a brand new factory.
“Our ultimate goal is to be world champions,” he added. “The most important tool you have in F1 is your factory. We have commenced building a purpose-built, state-of-the-art factory. We already have great people, and we’re about to have the best tools, so those are the two biggest factors in determining success in F1.”
