Vettel has 'big shoes to fill' at Racing Point - Brawn

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Sebastian Vettel will have some "big shoes" to fill next season at Racing Point following Sergio Perez's long overdue triumph in the Sakhir GP, says F1 boss Ross Brawn.

Perez charged from last to first in Sunday's race to conquer his maiden triumph in Formula 1. Unfortunately, the 30-year-old will make way for Vettel next year at Racing Point, or rather Aston Martin Racing as the team will be known from 2021.

In light of Perez's strong performances of late, and Vettel's shortfall this season, Brawn believes the four-time world champion will need to raise his game to live up to the high standards set by the Mexican at the Silverstone-based outfit.

"This was a thoroughly deserved victory for Checo," commented Brawn in his post-race column for Formula 1.

"I said in this column last week Racing Point may be feeling they underachieved. Well they corrected the scales yesterday – big time. And all credit to them.

"They were there and picked up the pieces and Checo just drove brilliantly. We all want to see him next year. It’ll be a tragedy if he can’t get a car."

Brawn believes Racing Point may be harboring regrets of its choice to oust Perez.

"The team must be thinking about the decisions they have made, losing him when he’s driving so well," said F1's managing director.

"His replacement Sebastian Vettel I’m sure will come back stronger, as he’s in a bit of a trough at the moment, but Checo is a guaranteed deal.

"So that’ll be interesting to see how that develops. In a way, Seb has some fairly big shoes to fill now, even if he’s a world champion."

Read also: Lawrence Stroll says 'fantastic asset' Perez deserves Red Bull drive

Perez's hopes of remaining on the grid in 2021 are hinged on Red Bull's decision to retain or not Alex Albon, with a call expected to be made after next weekend's season finale in Abu Dhabi.

For many, Red Bull's choice is a no brainer when considering Perez's experience and talent against Albon's inconsistent results and persistent under-performance relative to Max Verstappen.

However, despite the rallying cry in the paddock urging Red Bull to do the right thing, it will be the good Dr. Marko who will have the last word.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.