Aston Martin wanted to keep Vettel for longer: "We made it clear to him"

Boss of Aston Martin Formula 1 team Lawerence Stroll has confirmed the team wanted to continue to work with Sebastian Vettel beyond the 2022 Formula 1 season. But the four-time World Champion has announced he wants to retire from the sport in ten races time.

When Vettel joined Aston Martin, Stroll made it clear they wanted a driver with some history. With four world championships, and a brilliant record at both Red Bull and Ferrari, Vettel was the ideal man for the role alongside the bosses' son Lance Stroll. In his first reaction, senior Stroll makes it clear Aston Martin wanted Vettel to stay.

"We made it clear to him that we wanted him to continue with us next year, but in the end he has done what he feels is right for himself and his family, and of course, we respect that. He has driven some fantastic races for us, and, behind the scenes, his experience and expertise with our engineers have been extremely valuable. He is one of the all-time greats of Formula One, and it has been a privilege to have been able to work with him," Stroll said.