Aston Martin have stated that Sebastian Vettel may be an option to replace Lance Stroll, who sustained a wrist injury while cycling, for the upcoming season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
Though the team’s Formula 2 champion and Aston Martin development driver, Felipe Drugovich, was the primary contender to fill in for Stroll at pre-season testing alongside Fernando Alonso, the team’s principal, Mike Krack, has confirmed having had contact with Vettel.
Sebastian Vettel retired at the end of the last season after two largely disappointing seasons with Aston Martin. Despite his disappointing performance in the past, he remains a four-time world champion with Red Bull from 2010-2013 and is an accomplished driver with 53 race victories in total. Therefore, he would be a significant asset for the team should he be chosen to replace Stroll.
Aston Martin’s team principal has stated that his hope is to have Stroll back in the car, but the speculation about the severity of his injury has led to questions about whether the second race of the season would be a more realistic option for Vettel to step in, as it would give him more time to prepare. It is a critical season for Aston Martin, and they will need to put their best foot forward if they are to make a meaningful impact on the grid.
The Aston Martin team has been working hard to improve their performance, and they have shown great potential during pre-season testing. Fernando Alonso finished second to reigning world champion Max Verstappen on the opening day and displayed promising long-run pace in the closing session on Saturday. These performances have generated excitement and expectation amongst fans and experts, and there is a growing sense that Aston Martin could surprise many in the upcoming season.
In the meantime, the team is waiting for Stroll’s recovery and hoping for the best. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to take part in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, but the team is prepared to explore every option and make the necessary adjustments to their plans. Sebastian Vettel would be a valuable addition to the team if he is selected to replace Stroll, and he would have the chance to showcase his skills in a team that is rapidly improving.
