The backers for Sergio Perez are trying to stop Racing Point signing Sebastian Vettel to a contract for 2021 at Spa, reports claim.
In recent weeks, the outgoing Ferrari driver has been heavily linked to the team that will become Aston Martin next year, with team owner Lawrence Stroll activating a release clause in the Mexican’s contract.
Reports of a deal being signed at Silverstone proved inaccurate, though it was potentially effected by Perez missing both races after testing positive for Covid-19.
But last weekend new speculation emerged in Germany and Italy that Vettel has been offered a $15m deal at Aston for next season and he’s set to sign that contract later this month in Belgium.
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Having got wind of the offer, however, SpeedWeek reports Perez’s backers, linked to billionaire Carlos Slim, have offered to increase their financial support to secure Checo’s future for 2021.
This may explain why Sergio was surprisingly bullish about his future last week in Spain, claiming he expected the Vettel rumours to “go away” soon.
A key factor in Seb’s favour potentially, is Stroll doesn’t need the additional funds from Mexico given his own deep pockets and therefore, it’s solely up to the Canadian who he wants in his cars.
Should Perez’s efforts be successful though, Red Bull boss Christian Horner believes Vettel would still appeal to teams for a return in 2022.
“It is a shame because Sebastian is obviously not in a happy place,” he told the PA news agency of his current plight at Ferrari.
“He is still relatively young, so it depends what his motivation is, but he is a four-time world champion and the third most successful driver of all time in terms of his victories.
“Nobody can take that away from him.
“If he chose to take a year out, he would still be very attractive to teams should he wish to come back in 12 months’ time,” added the Briton.
“He doesn’t need to be in Formula 1 for the sake of being there next year. What he has achieved in this sport is quite phenomenal and I am sure he is thinking hard about his next move.
“He is carrying a lot of weight on his shoulders at the moment and that must be very tough for him.”