Vettel's decision understandable: 'That factor is hugely important'

Sebastian Vettel can also be admired in Formula 1 next season. The German driver signed a new contract with Aston Martin this week and should contribute to the team's successes again in 2022.

Although most Formula 1 experts counted on Vettel staying on for another year, rumours of his departure also circulated. Lawrence Barretto writes on the official website of Formula 1 that Vettel, however, already had the plan in his head to prolong his stay.

"When the four-time world champion agreed to make the move to the Silverstone-based squad, it was always with the intention that it would be a medium to long-term project," he writes. "Having an option at the end of the first year was simply a safety net, which would allow him to head off into the sunset and enjoy retirement if it didn’t work out – both in terms of his own performance or the team’s speed."

According to Barretto, Vettel has a lot of confidence in Aston Martin. "He’s seen enough from this year to realise that Aston Martin, who recently broke ground on what will be a state-of-the-art facility that’ll include its own wind tunnel when finished, are a team going in the right direction. He loves turning up to work. With a young family at home, that factor is hugely important. He’s been welcomed with open arms and the mechanics and engineers love him."