Is Vettel’s time in Formula 1 ending?

Sebastian Vettel’s Aston Martin contract comes to an end following the 2022 season, but will he stay?

Vettel began his career in 2007, standing in for an injured-Robert Kubica at BMW Sauber before earning a full-time drive with Toro Rosso.

The German joined Red Bull in 2009, narrowly missing out on the title to Jenson Button, before dominating the sport between 2010 and 2013.

However, his career took a turn after joining Ferrari in 2015, missing out on two chances at the title in 2017 and 2018, leaving the Italian manufacturer to join Aston Martin in 2021.

Although the move showed promise, the two parties have been unable to capitalise on the 2022 regulation changes and sit ninth in the standings after four races in 2022.

However, speaking before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Vettel seemed confident about his team and how they are responding to the challenge.

He said:

“Well, the car obviously is not quick enough, we know that, in comparison with the opposition.

“There’s still a lot of work to do but, when it comes to the team and the effort that is going in, I would say the spirit is unbroken.

“It doesn’t feel great when you come out of the session and you’re not where you think you could have been or where you wanted to be but we know that a lot of stuff is coming.

“The atmosphere is good, we take it on the chin and try to move forward.”

Despite his comments, the start of the season has left his time with the team in doubt, with suggestions circulating that he could even call it quits after 16 years in the sport.

If this were the case, and the four-time world champion left Aston Martin, where could he go?

After the rumor of a mid-season driver change began, some have discussed the possibility of Vettel returning to Red Bull following his departure in 2014.

This, although the German’s fans may be hopeful, seems unlikely.

Not only would Red Bull not wish to introduce conflict through two world champions in their squad, but Sergio Perez has been performing valiantly this year alongside Max Verstappen.

It is likely that the Mexican will re-sign with the team, and it is certain that neither Vettel nor Red Bull would see him return to Faenza with AlphaTauri.

Realistically, Vettel’s only place in F1 currently sits at the Aston Martin squad, and there is a good chance that he will resign with the Stroll-0wned team.

Other than this, retirement from Formula 1 would be his other option should he decide to leave Silverstone, giving him the time to spend with his family in Switzerland.

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