The nut is drawn. Sebastian Vettel broke the delay with one move from which there is no turning back. A life dedicated to racing, his great love, from which so much more was born. From these years made up of so many experiences, something too important was born to choose to stay another year wandering around without a goal, without an identity. Sebastian Vettel has chosen to move on and to pursue his dreams once again after writing one of the most beautiful chapters of this sport in which, like a cat, he lived 7 lives. From this journey Vettel came out profoundly changed but above all he represented the change himself with his voice outside the choir. A warm voice that made us feel at home and that this morning woke up the world by announcing its own goodbye to Formula 1.
An era had come to an end
There was no shortage of support and emotion and since the moment of the announcement on social networks messages of affection and thanks from those "colleagues" began to appear, to whom Seb was trying to get closer as a mentor and friend. The decision to leave the Circus came like a bolt from the blue, even though we knew that the hands were close to the toll that would mark the inexorable arrival of this moment. “I am sad about Vettel's choice - says Esteban Ocon, in a speech at the press conference. "I spoke to him a couple of weeks ago and it didn't seem like that was his orientation. But I hope he can enjoy what's to come. He has been a great ambassador for us, for safety and all driver issues. That's why I hope he doesn't stay too far from the paddock."
There are many drivers who grew up with the example given to them by Sebastian Vettel. One of these is the young man Mike Schumacher, son of Michael Schumacher, in turn fundamental in the life and growth of Sebastian. In short, a circle that closes, an era that has come to an end.
Who will take his place?
THEAston Martin, with Sebastian's farewell, he can officially post the sign on his door "staff wanted for 2023". The team has an empty seat, and among the first to suffer unpleasant interrogation by the media hungry for more scoop are the riders with a pending or expiring contract.
“Take Vettel's place at Aston? My future is clear at McLaren" responds Daniel Ricciardo. "Aston is a great team and on the rise, but at the moment I'm focused on this season" he says instead Alexander albon. The question is also asked Esteban Ocon switched from Force India, now Aston Martin, to Renault, now Alpine: “I raced with Aston, I know what they are capable of. But I'm fine in Alpine” . A dry no even from Magnussen, recently returned home Haas and Valtteri Bottas in the first year in Alfa Romeo: “Would I go to Aston? I have a contract, it seems strange to say it, but I'm fine where I am."
The alternatives
The names at stake are different, and among the new entries already known faces could also emerge. The first name at the top of the list is that of Nico Hulkenberg, already called to replace Sebastian Vettel at the beginning of the season, because he was positive for Covid. Another of the hottest names is from a two-time world champion: Fernando Alonso, awaiting a renewal with Alpine who, according to Roberto Chinchero he has only one option on the table for Fernando, namely an annual. An offer that might not be enough for Fernando who in the meantime has begun to test the waters.
But let's get to the new names. An all-important option could be to offer a space to the young person Nyck de vries, under the wing of Mercedes. Aston Martin would be a viable alternative to Williams, in case this wanted to focus on another young talent or Oscar piastri.
For those who are wondering if we could see a passage of the baton between Vettel and Mick Schumacher this scenario is more unlikely given Mick's relationship with Ferrari. More likely then that Haas will reconfirm it, also considering the excellent results it is collecting.
Source: Motorsport.com, Source statements: Sky Sport F1
