Sebastian Vettel will stay in Formula 1 next season after signing with Aston Martin for 2021.
Back in May, it was announced the four-time world champion would be leaving Ferrari and speculation has strongly tied the German to the current Racing Point outfit ever since.
Despite a few weeks of denials, Sergio Perez would confirm his departure from the team on Wednesday night, paving the way for Vettel to join alongside Lance Stroll.
“I am pleased to finally share this exciting news about my future," Seb said in a statement on Thursday. "I’m extremely proud to say that I will become an Aston Martin driver in 2021.
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"It’s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company. I have been impressed with the results the team has achieved this year and I believe the future looks even brighter.
"The energy and commitment of Lawrence [Stroll] to the sport is inspiring and I believe we can build something very special together.
"I still have so much love for Formula 1 and my only motivation is to race at the front of the grid. To do so with Aston Martin will be a huge privilege.”
In the press release, Aston Martin declared the signing of Vettel as a "statement of intent" as the team looks to use the new budget cap and technical regulations to challenge at the front of the F1 grid.
The Silverstone-based team also declared the 33-year-old's "experience and leadership qualities make him the perfect driver to help the team achieve its ambitions."
“Everybody at Silverstone is hugely excited by this news," CEO Otmar Szafnauer commented.
"Sebastian is a proven champion and brings a winning mentality that matches our own ambitions for the future as Aston Martin F1 Team.
"On a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, Sebastian is one of the best in the world, and I can’t think of a better driver to help take us into this new era. He will play a significant role in taking this team to the next level.”
Though no details were announced, the headline of "2021 and beyond" also suggests Vettel has signed a multi-year deal with Aston, so F1 can look forward to seeing him on the grid for a little while yet.
