Ferrari insists there were no issues with Sebastian Vettel confirming his move to Aston Martin at the team’s 1000th race at Mugello.
Developments regarding the German’s future emerged on Wednesday when Sergio Perez was informed of and then announced his exit from the current Racing Point squad at the end of 2020.
And then, ahead of the media day on Thursday, Vettel’s multi-year deal was revealed, shifting some attention away from the Scuderia’s milestone Grand Prix.
Given the circumstances surrounding his exit from Ferrari, some thought the timing was somewhat coincidental. but the Italian team were not fussed.
“I think it’s good of him to announce this now that he knows how things are going,” team boss Mattia Binotto said at Mugello via RTL.
“We told him early in the year that we would not renew his contract and we were criticised for that. But it was important for us to give him the time to find a new seat.
“I’m happy for him as a driver and also as a person, and I’m also happy for Formula 1 because it’s good for the sport that a four-time champion will be competing next year as well.”
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Also welcoming the news was Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who has close ties both to Vettel and his new employers.
“I think it’s great, I have three shares in Aston Martin so from that perspective it’s great and the German market is the second most important market,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think it’s great for Formula 1 that Seb stays. He’s the second most successful driver of this decade, and it’s important for F1 that someone like Sebastian, who is in his prime years, doesn’t leave.
“From another perspective, he’s going to bring a tremendous amount of knowledge to Aston Martin with Lance [Stroll] who is improving and improving and is at a super level now.
“With the knowledge that Sebastian brings I think everybody progresses, and I think that’s going to be his contribution.”
Commenting in his post-race column for Formula1.com, however, F1 motorsport chief Ross Brawn thinks the 33-year-old will have to justify the rumoured $40m it has cost in paying out Perez, lost sponsorship and the salary Vettel will be paid.
“It’s a big statement by Lawrence Stroll,” he wrote. “Vettel is a proven champion and I think, still has the fight in him.
“Drafting in someone of his stature will help lift everyone inside the team, whose aspirations are now significantly higher. His experience will be invaluable.
“But it is now putting the team on a different level and the results will need to start matching Lawrence Stroll’s ambition.”