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

Budkowksi in, Lowdon out as team principal of Cadillac

Cadillac’s Formula 1 project has taken a dramatic turn before it has even fully found…

9 hours ago

From rookie pain to title reign: Mercedes lifts lid on Antonelli’s rise

When Kimi Antonelli arrived at Mercedes last year, he looked less like a future genuine…

10 hours ago

Boutsen resists and gets it done in Hungary

Because of the summer shutdown which has become a cornerstone of the Formula 1 calendar,…

11 hours ago

F1 sponsor JCB swaps heavy lifting for 406mph land speed record

Aston Martin F1 sponsor JCB has built its reputation on heavy lifting. But this week,…

12 hours ago

Maya Weug exposes the harsh reality behind F1 Academy

Less than a year ago, Maya Weug was fighting for an F1 Academy title in…

14 hours ago

Off-track drama: Franco Colapinto burgled during F1 summer break

For Alpine’s Franco Colapinto, a relaxing retreat along the pristine shores of Lake Como during…

15 hours ago