F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Vettel admits to 'loose talks' with Racing Point

Amid rumors of a deal for 2021 being negotiated between Sebastian Vettel and Racing Point, the Ferrari driver admitted to "loose talks" occurring between the two parties.

Reports alleging that Vettel could remain in F1 next season with Racing Point multiplied at the start of the week, with Sergio Perez also at the center of the speculation.

In Hungary on Thursday, Vettel opened up about the veracity of the reports, revealing that discussions had taken place with Racing Point although the German made clear that no deal was in the works.

"Well, at this stage, I think it's talks," he said. "I said last week that obviously I've been in talks with Renault for example, so I think it's also just talks.

"I think at a later stage with anyone, I think then it would get a bit more concrete. But at this stage the truth is that there is nothing to announce and nothing more concrete than just loose talks."

To open the door to Vettel for next year, Racing Point would apparently need to activate an exit clause in Perez's contract by July 31, or just two weeks from now.

However, Vettel says he is in no hurry to ratify his plans for next season.

"It will probably take some time, most importantly for myself to make the decision, the right decision for myself," he said.

"And then once there is something to announce, something to say, then I think that will be the right time in the future to do so.

"Anything at this stage is still open. I don't know, driving next year, not driving next year, maybe coming back, or not driving any more. Or, I don't know, doing something different.

"So I'm not pressured or feeling pressure to make my decision to continue."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Gasly benched for Monza FP1 as Aron gets Alpine run

Paul Aron will get another chance to make his mark in Formula 1 this weekend,…

13 hours ago

Palmer warns Russell facing ‘make or break’ race at Monza

For George Russell, the upcoming Italian Grand Prix is not merely another race weekend; it…

13 hours ago

Wolff: Mercedes under ‘no illusion’ about tough road ahead

Mercedes may still be sitting comfortably atop both Formula 1 championships, but Toto Wolff is…

15 hours ago

Vettel back in the saddle at Monza for Schumacher tribute run

Sebastian Vettel is about to give the Monza tifosi a very special reason to turn…

16 hours ago

The tragic fall of one of motorsport's most gifted racers

There wasn't much the incredibly talented Stefan Bellof couldn't do behind the wheel of a…

18 hours ago

Hamilton’s dream car returns to life in Maranello

When you’re a seven-time F1 world champion, some childhood dreams never fade – they just…

18 hours ago