Sebastian Vettel is remaining coy over his Aston Martin future as a decision for 2023 looms.
The four-time world champion appeared destined to call time on his Formula 1 career after a tough start to the season.
However, recent comments indicate a reluctance on Vettel’s part to retire and Aston Martin chief Mike Krack is optimistic he will stay.
“We are in talks,” he told Formula1.com. “Sebastian is very positive, very constructive, so from that point of view, I really hope we can continue.
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“Also, maybe the investment he has made now over two years [at the team], he should also be in a position to get something from it and not hand it to someone else later.
“But we are confident we can make this a success with the talks we are having.”
As for Vettel himself, it appears the summer break will be when all is decided.
“The decision is still pending, but I will think about it in the coming weeks,” he said to F1-Insider.com
“Of course, it also depends on how the car develops and how much potential I see in the team. I have already emphasised several times that I want to fight for points, but also for victories. Otherwise, the fun is lost.
“So in the next few weeks, together with my family, I have to find out how realistic my goals are and how much energy I still feel inside me to continue growing together with the team.”
Coming in hot. ? pic.twitter.com/30dCEFkX2s
— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) July 19, 2022
Asked if he would consider moving to a different team in F1, having recently been linked to McLaren for 2023, Vettel replied…
“I’m not thinking about that at the moment,” he said. “Aston Martin is my first point of contact and the project I want to take forward.”
Vettel currently sits 14th in the Drivers’ standings with a best finish of sixth in Baku.