F1: Vettel waiting on upgraded car, invited to test IndyCar
(GMM) Sebastian Vettel could turn to IndyCar if his Formula 1 career ends at the conclusion of this year’s world championship.
The quadruple world champion has said in recent weeks and months that he is struggling to adjust to the consistent F1 midfield.
Aston Martin, though, is not giving up on giving the 34-year-old a quicker car, with the Lawrence Stroll-owned team planning to bring a ‘B spec’ version of its 2022 machine to Barcelona.
“Maybe it will be a Ferrari copy but we’ll see,” Auto Motor und Sport editor Michael Schmidt said.
AMuS’s Schmidt reports Aston Martin engineers have told him there will be big changes to the AMR22 at the Barcelona race, so much so they will be “very visible”.
“At first glance, it will differ significantly from its predecessor and should then also be immune to bouncing. The aim of the premiere is the Spanish GP, but delivery problems could delay the debut by a week. Or only one of the two B versions is ready in Barcelona.”
While he waits for a faster car, Vettel admitted in Miami that the new race’s organizers might have been wiser to spend their money on upgrading a “proper track” like Road America in Wisconsin. [Editor’s Note: They don’t own Road America, so how could they spend money to upgrade it?]
“Certainly for the racing and driving thrill, for the money that was spent to build Miami, they could have easily brought the standard up in great places like Road America,” the German said.
“I’d love to go to proper tracks,” Vettel added.
That comment prompted an instant social media reaction from top IndyCar star Graham Rahal, who invited Vettel to test a Rahal car at Road America.
Team owner and former F1 team boss Bobby Rahal then added: “Seb, that’s a deal if you want it.”
When asked about Rahal’s invitation, Vettel commented: “I need to have a look. But it’s a great track so let’s see.”
Vettel has also received another offer – but not for a cockpit – from his former Formula 1 team boss Gerhard Berger, who now runs the German DTM series.
“I would love to have Sebastian as a partner,” said the F1 legend.
“He’s a clever guy who I think will need tasks in the future other than driving.”