Aston Martin accepts that the team must deliver if Sebastian Vettel is to remain motivated in Formula 1.
When his departure from Ferrari was confirmed in 2020, the four-time world champion took on the challenge of trying to lead the Silverstone-based outfit to the front of the grid.
Last year proved difficult as changes to the floor design compromised the low-rake Aston and Mercedes cars much more than the rest.
And the start of 2022 has been equally troubled with the team well down the competitive order and Vettel himself missing the first two races due to Covid-19.
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All this has led Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who of course guided Vettel into F1, to question how much longer Seb will be on the grid.
“A motivated Vettel can still score podiums in F1, you saw that in Baku, [last year] and he was also very fast in Monte Carlo," he told Formel1.de.
“But where Aston Martin is at the moment, I don’t think the motivation will be too great.
“Aston Martin has to build a more competitive car. If you drive outside the points, the motivation is not the greatest.”
That point was acknowledged by Aston Martin boss Mike Krack, who knows it is up to him to prove wins and championships are in the team's future.
“It’s clear that a guy like Sebastian, he doesn’t want to be 15th or 12th or P8, that’s clear,” he was quoted by PlanetF1.
“It’s our task to deliver a performing car or, say, a performing structure because I think Sebastian is a clever guy. He will not be focusing just on this year’s car or whatever but focusing more on what is happening and if he sees the potential.
“So if we can manage to offer this to him, I think we have a chance to keep him for longer. To be honest with you, I have not spoken with him about it – this is something that will have to come.
“But all in all, it is our task to deliver the right package, then Sebastian will stay and other drivers will like to join [the team].”
