Sebastian Vettel has moved to quash rumours suggesting he is in the hunt for a seat at McLaren at seasons end.
Vettel’s contract with Aston Martin expires at the end of this season, but there has been little discussion about any potential movements for 2023.
On the eve of the French Grand Prix, Vettel told the official F1 website he had a “clear intention” to continue driving.
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“Well I’m racing this weekend, and the next one,” he said.
“Then obviously I’ve said that at some point we’ll start to talk and I’m talking to the team.
“I think there is a clear intention to keep going and we’ll see soon where we stand.”
There had been talk among the paddock that Vettel had been in contact with McLaren, or that he was even planning to hang up the helmet.
He was one of a number of drivers – including Alex Albon, Oscar Piastri, Colton Herta – linked with seat of struggling incumbent Daniel Ricciardo.
Some had even joked former McLaren world champion Mika Häkkinen would finally end his F1 sabbatical after two decades.
Vettel said the speculation was no more than that.
“I think Lando (Norris) has a contract … No, I know some people there but I think it’s just rumours.”
Vettel spent Thursday lapping the Paul Ricard circuit in a 1923 Aston Martin – the car the manufacturer raced in their first Grand Prix.
Back then, the car had to have two pilots – a driver, and an on-board mechanic. If a pitstop was required – which obviously resembled nothing of today’s slick pitstops – the mechanic and the driver were the only two who would work on the car.
They would hop out, refuel, change tyres and make any other necessary changes before continuing on their way.
Current-day Aston Martin are keen to keep the four-time champion in their modern-day F1 car next year, where he is expected to once again partner Lance Stroll, son of billionaire boss Lawrence.
Vettel currently sits 14th in the championship with 15 points. Stroll meanwhile is languishing down in 19th with just three points. He is only ahead of the under-fire Nicholas Latifi in the second Williams, who is yet to score.
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