As expected, Sebastian Vettel will extend his presence on the grid next season, the German driver signing up with Racing Point/Aston Martin Racing.
Racing Point announced late on Wednesday the departure of Sergio Perez at the end of the current season, a decision that automatically paved the way for Vettel's move to the Silverstone-based outfit for 2021.
"I am pleased to finally share this exciting news about my future," said Vettel.
"I’m extremely proud to say that I will become an Aston Martin driver in 2021. It’s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company.
"I have been impressed with the results the team has achieved this year and I believe the future looks even brighter.
"The energy and commitment of Lawrence [Stroll] to the sport is inspiring and I believe we can build something very special together.
"I still have so much love for Formula 1 and my only motivation is to race at the front of the grid. To do so with Aston Martin will be a huge privilege."
Needless to say, Vettel's hiring is a major coup by team owner and Aston Martin executive chairman Lawrence Stroll and sends a clear statement of the team's ambitions in Formula 1.
"Everybody at Silverstone is hugely excited by this news," added Racing Point team boss Otmar Szafnauer.
"Sebastian is a proven champion and brings a winning mentality that matches our own ambitions for the future as Aston Martin F1 Team.
"On a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, Sebastian is one of the best in the world, and I can’t think of a better driver to help take us into this new era.
"He will play a significant role in taking this team to the next level."
At 33, Vettel currently has 248 Grands Prix starts under his belt over the course of his 14-year career in F1 that includes 53 races wins four world championships, all achieved consecutively with Red Bull Racing between 2010 and 2013.
©Ferrari
For Vettel, a fresh start will rekindle a motivation that has slowly been eroding at Ferrari in the past two years.
It's ironic to note that the announcement of Vettel's transfer to Aston Martin Racing comes on the eve of Ferrari's 1,000 Grand Prix celebrations. Wicked timing to say the least, as if Racing Point and Vettel had sought to steal the Scuderia's thunder. Oh wait...
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