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

Through one lens: Twelve photographs from the 2025 F1 season

  Lewis Hamilton: Australian GP – Albert Park Lewis Hamilton’s very first Grand Prix weekend…

16 hours ago

Two Formula 1 racers born on Christmas day

One driver has a hugely famous name, the other is a special Grand Prix winner,…

19 hours ago

Red with purpose – It’s time for Ferrari to bring it home

As the Ferrari factory in Maranello glows in festive crimson, a sense of anticipation hums…

2 days ago

Norris reveals the quirky private moment his F1 title finally sunk in

Lando Norris had just done the hardest thing in motorsport – winning the Formula 1…

2 days ago

Howden Ganley, McLaren's third-ever employee

A veteran of 41 Grands Prix starts, Howden Ganley - seen here above hitting a…

2 days ago

Leclerc’s ‘naughty’ Christmas gift leaves Russell ‘lost for words’

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc may not have ended the season with a silver trophy in hand,…

2 days ago