Sebastian Vettel says his talks with Lawrence Stroll before signing with Aston Martin were “direct and honest” but he will have to wait until 2022 to potentially win another World title.
Vettel is joining Aston Martin next season after being dropped by Ferrari in favour of Carlos Sainz.
Vettel was reportedly in talks with team owner Stroll for weeks before eventually being persuaded to join the project.
Asked by Corriere della Sera what Stroll said to finally convince him, he said: “He is a very successful man in business, he has shown that he knows how to make the right decisions.
“The negotiations were direct and honest right from the start.
“It is a special situation, my partner will be my son Lance. We are all very motivated.”
Team boss Otmar Szafnauer recently said he hopes Vettel can repeat his Red Bull success at Aston Martin and win four Drivers’ Championship titles.
Asked if that is a genuine possibility, the German replied: “Let’s be honest: now only those who drive a Mercedes can win it.
“But I’m happy where I’m going, we have the potential to impress.
“And then in 2022 the rules will change, never say never.”
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Staying on the grid, next season Vettel will not only be up against seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton but also the returning Fernando Alonso.
Of the Mercedes driver he reckons his “will, commitment, dedication” is what makes him special while of Alonso he says he is “happy for him and for the fans. But honestly, I’m more focused on myself than on Fernando.”
There could also be another big name on the grid, Schumacher, with 21-year-old Mick Schumacher expected to join Haas.
The forthcoming announcement means Vettel will be racing against his hero Michael Schumacher’s son
“For me Mick is Mick, and Michael is Michael,” said vettel. “Unlike everyone else, I don’t connect him to the surname Schumacher because I know what it means.
“It also makes me a little sad that Michael can’t be here celebrating his son’s successes. I don’t know how many other drivers would have managed a career like Mick did.”
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