Sebastian Vettel wasn’t with Aston Martin in Saudi Arabia, at least not physically, with Mike Krack revealing the driver was “virtually present” trying to help the team.
Aston Martin had another point-less weekend at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, the team one of only two outfits yet to get off the mark.
While Lance Stroll finished 13th place on the night, the victim of a late incident involving Alex Albon, Vettel’s replacement Nico Hulkenberg was P12.
Vettel was forced to miss the Jeddah race, as he did the Bahrain Grand Prix, the driver having tested positive for Covid-19.
But while he wasn’t there physically, team boss Krack says he attended all the team’s meetings virtually, giving “advice” to help the team.
We go again in Melbourne. ? pic.twitter.com/sXJjhbKqa0
— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) March 27, 2022
“He was virtually present at all meetings and gave us advice,” Krack told F1-Insider.com.
“We hoped until the end that he might be able to drive after all. But there comes a point when you run out of time. We had to make a decision.
“And since Sebastian wasn’t ready, we chose Nico.”
While Aston Martin did not share any information regarding Vettel’s health, other than to say that he had tested positive, Hulkenberg says his compatriot has been ill from the virus.
“We were in constant contact,” he said. “He was pretty battered.”
Vettel is expected to be back in the car in time for the Australian Grand Prix, round three of the championship where Aston Martin will be chasing their first points of the championship.
While Stroll was P13 in Saudi Arabia, Hulkenberg was 12th place.
“We put together a clean race, but unfortunately the events and opportunities did not really go our way,” said Nico.
The first Safety Car period was unhelpful because we were running a longer first stint on the hard tyre – so that compromised our race.
“It was a demanding race, but I am happy with my performance considering my limited experience with the car.
“We gave it everything out there, but points were out of reach.”
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