Vettel aims to return to winning form with Aston Martin after a disappointing term at the Scuderia. — Reuters
BERLIN: Sebastian Vettel would have enjoyed a first few laps for his new team Aston Martin today.
But he was snubbed because the test drives in Abu Dhabi are reserved mainly for Formula One rookies like Mick Schumacher, although ex-champ Fernando Alonso managed to sneak in as well ahead of his planned return to Renault after some years outside F1.
So the four-time world champion Vettel went home instead on Sunday after finishing 14th in the season finale and a career-worst 13th in the championship at the end of a six-year term at Ferrari.
As a result of the largely disappointing term at the Scuderia, where he never managed to be as successful as Michael Schumacher who won five titles there, Vettel is now looking forward to his new challenge.
"It is like being a little boy in a toy shop for the first time," the 33-year-old German said. "I am starting a new challenge. I am really looking forward to it."
Aston Martin make their debut as a works team rebranded from Racing Point, the fourth-place finishers in the 2020 constructors' list, two better than Ferrari.
Vettel takes the place of unfortunate Sergio Perez to drive along with Lance Stroll, whose billionaire father is the main investor.
Vettel won Red Bull's first and so far only world titles 2010-2013, and at Aston Martin they will be hoping to help challenge the top teams led by Mercedes with the help of his expertise and 53 grands prix victories.
The capture of Vettel "is a clear statement of the team’s ambition to establish itself as one of the most competitive names in the sport," the team said when the deal was announced two months ago.
"Sebastian is a proven champion and brings a winning mentality that matches our own ambitions for the future as Aston Martin F1 Team."
Aston Martin was the only real option for Vettel to stay in the sport after being told before the season in spring that he was no longer wanted at Ferrari who chose to focus on team-mate Charles Leclerc.
The partnership failed to deliver Ferrari's first drivers' title since 2007 as desired but they parted ways in a dignified manner.
"This race is not one I will remember. But what I will remember are the gestures of all the team members, the mechanics, the engineers, the catering guys and so on ... and will carry it with me forever," Vettel said.
"I will miss Charles. Obviously he gave me a headache here and there, and we are at very different stages of our lives and careers. But he’s certainly a good kid and I think he will go a long way, he will be the man of the future. I hope he gets the car he deserves."
Team principal Mattia Binotto highlighted that Vettel was the third most successful Ferrari driver with 16 wins.
He leaves us many happy memories and also a few regrets for what might have been. It’s a shame, but that’s life, for a driver and for a team," Binotti said.
"One thing is for sure, even if as from next year he will be a rival on track, he will always be part of the Ferrari family."
