F1 | Tuscan Grand Prix | Vettel and Perez share their side of the story
Vettel announced his move to Aston Martin, stealing everyone's attention from Ferrari's celebration, while Sergio Perez explains how and when he knew the team was dropping him
Sebastian Vettel stole everyone's attention on Thursday with his long expected announcement: the four time world champions, who has been dropped by Ferrari before the season even officially started, has been signed with Aston Martin, actually called Racing Point, replacing Sergio Perez.
The Mexican driver gave his announcement on Wednesday night, adding he still doesn't have a seat for 2021.
"Nobody told me anything, but I already knew and figured out a couple of things," said Perez in the press "Final confirmation came yesterday. It's fine. Seven years with the team, I know everything has a beginning and also an end. We still have nine races to make each other proud."
"That was the feedback that I was getting, that the team wanted to keep me and so on. There were some discussions in the background about contracts and so on, that I'm not willing to disclose because I think those things should remain between the team and myself. "There were a couple of things in the contract that we went through. In the end, they officially told me yesterday that I'm not continuing.
"I didn't expect that" he just said.
Perez has spent seven years with Force India, now Racing Point, and also saved the team during its financial issues.
"The main highlight for me that I will take forever away it's obviously saving the team and saving the jobs of so many team members. That is the most special thing for me, and I will always be very proud of this team. I think the have a great future ahead of them, and I wish them the very best".
To know the future with a phone call was the same destiny that hit Sebastian Vettel, when Ferrari just told him they were dropping him for Carlos Sainz.
Vettel decided to outlight Ferrari's 1000th Gran Prix in Formula 1 and spread his announcement here at Mugello. But before coming to this, the german was really close to the retirement.
"[The retirement] was close in terms of having a lot of thoughts and I have to put myself first in that regard. What's best for me? What I've decided now, I believe it's the best for me and I'm looking forward to prove that" he said to the press.
"It wasn't an easy call because the last weeks and months have been quite intense for me," he explained. "It's different and new situation for me to be in and, as I have put out from day one, I felt like I wanted to remain in Formula 1 if there is something that really attracts. It was getting more and more clear the team's performances this year have been very encouraging and I think even more than that, is where the regulations are going, into hopefully a more and more level playing field.
"I think it will be a lot of firsts and the first time for the team to be in a position to have probably the same money as other teams and show what they are capable of. So anything I can do to help, I am very excited about and I am looking forward to it.
"Things are coming in the right time and in terms of the announcement, it has not been a long time since it was final. Obviously Checo [Sergio Perez] made the announcement last night and then I think it was only right to respond straightaway" he just said.
Pierre Gasly was still emotional as he won, last Sunday, his first ever Gran Prix.
"It was unbelievable, I must say I was amazed with the feedback I received, all the messages coming from everywhere. From athletes, friends, family, people from everywhere around the world. It felt quite overwhelming and I really felt like something pretty big happened in my life over the last few hours, otherwise this would not be happening. It's a pretty magical moment".
Formula 1 finds a new race winner, but here in Mugello, twenty years ago Kimi Raikkonen made his first ever F1 test.
"Time has gone quickly, because 20 years.. it doesn't feel like 20 years ago" said the Finn.
"Also on the other hand it's a long time, it's half of my life so.. something new started in my life on that day. Good memories".
Who knows if Kimi will spend another year in Formula 1. Let's wait for another announcement.
