Sebastian Vettel was "immediately motivated" by the chance to join Aston Martin after being impressed by the team in previous guises.

The four-time world champion was snapped up by the Silverstone-based outfit last September after Ferrari announced they would not be renewing his contract beyond 2020.

And for Vettel, the attraction of Aston was instantaneous having seen Force India and Racing Point regularly punch above their weight in the midfield during his Formula 1 career.

“Even though I have raced for four F1 teams and for many years, starting a new season with a new team still gives me a sense of excitement," he said at the launch of the AMR21.

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“As a driver, I have always kept my eye on the competition and this team has consistently impressed me with what they have been able to do without the biggest of budgets.

"So, when Lawrence [Stroll] and Otmar [Szafnauer] approached me last year and explained what their ambitions were, I was immediately very motivated to join the team."

Since January, Vettel has begun the process of settling in at Aston Martin, with his first impressions only adding to his confidence.

“Having visited the factory and met the senior people as well as my engineers and mechanics, I can see they are a really good group," he said.

"I feel confident that, by the support Lawrence brings together with the Aston Martin name, we will make real progress together.

“I have not driven the car yet - obviously - but I think it looks great," Vettel noted.

"I am really looking forward to getting it out on the track. I am also looking forward to working with and getting to know better everyone in the team, including my teammate Lance [Stroll].

"We will certainly make a big effort to deliver some good results together and have fun doing it.”

For Vettel, there is also a sense of pride in being part of a new era for one of the most famous names in the car industry.

“I love the history of motor racing and Aston Martin is one of the great names of the past, so it is fun to be part of their return to Formula One after an absence of 61 years," he concluded.