Vettel warns of ‘challenge ahead’ for Aston Martin

Finley Crebolder 05 Oct 2021 10:00 AM

Sebastian Vettel on the grid at Sochi. Russia September 2021

Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel on the grid ahead of the Russian Grand Prix. Russia September 2021

Sebastian Vettel thinks there’s a challenge ahead of Aston Martin as they try to improve, but is confident they can handle it.

After some speculation, it was confirmed in September that Vettel would remain with the British team for the 2022 campaign.

They’ll be hoping the 2022 season is better than this year’s which has been largely disappointing, with the team dropping from the top to the bottom of the midfield in the pecking order.

The widespread regulation changes will give them a bigger chance of getting back towards the front of the field, but Vettel still expects it to be challenging and is looking forward to facing that challenge together.

“I think it’s great moving forward to know that I’m going to be part of the team next year,” the German told the team’s official website.

“We’ve had some races that stood out. We had a podium in Baku. Other highlights, I think in general working with the team, and working with Lance [Stroll] has been fun.

“There’s definitely a challenge ahead for us to improve, but I think we all get on and there’s no holding back. People communicate openly and everybody is trying to move in the same direction.”

SV5. 💚 pic.twitter.com/STa7pwIyng

— Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) September 29, 2021

Check out all the latest Sebastian Vettel/Aston Martin merchandise via the official Formula 1 store

From a personal perspective, Vettel has had a solid if unspectacular first season in green, finishing on the podium twice – although he was ultimately disqualified in Hungary – and more often than not being stronger than team-mate Stroll.

With a year working with the team under his belt, he’s optimistic that things can get even better in 2022 both for himself and the outfit as a whole.

“I had a chance this year to get to know the team, the way the team is working, and we’re all very excited to see where we’re going to be next year,” he added.

“There’s the spirit of a small team, but I think we are getting more and more established. The spirit is right, I believe in the project, and I think the team will succeed in the future.

“It’s very difficult to know what to expect in the coming year but I’m very excited. The goals are set high and it’s an unknown for everyone, so I’m looking forward to it.”