SEBASTIAN VETTEL is closing in on signing for the Aston Martin F1 team next season.
The four-time world champion revealed that he was shocked to learn he was being dumped by Ferrari at the end of this season.
Sebastian Vettel is desperate to stay in Formula One after he is dumped by Ferrari at the end of the seasonCredit: EPA
Vettel, 33, is desperate to stay in F1 and is now being persuaded to join the Silverstone-based team, currently known as Racing Point.
Aston Martin F1 will be headed up by Canadian tycoon Lawrence Stroll, and he wants to partner Vettel alongside his son, Lance, who currently drives for the team.
It would mean Racing Point, formerly known as Force India, would be required to release Sergio Perez.
The Mexican has only recently signed a new deal with the team until 2022 however, SunSPORT understands that there is a release clause that the team can trigger before July 31st.
Vettel’s signature would be a huge signing for Aston Martin, who are hoping their on-track success in F1 revives the British car brand.
The four-time world champion could be the perfect foil for Stroll junior, 21, who has shown glimpses of his ability.
Back in January, Stroll’s consortium made a £182million investment in return for a 16.7 per cent stake in Aston Martin with him being named as executive chairman.
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has also made a personal investment in Aston Martin, which Mercedes say is not a conflict of interest.
Wolff is close friends with Vettel and has spoken about the former Red Bull man being an asset to any team.
Meanwhile, Perez’s availability, plus his financial backing from Mexican sponsors, is likely to interest the Haas F1 team.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk