Four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel did brilliantly to salvage a points finish at the British Grand Prix, despite having started in 18th place.
The German was initially involved in a collision with Alex Albon on the opening lap, due to the Williams Racing driver slowing down to avoid Guanyu Zhou’s horrific crash.
Vettel went up the gearbox of Albon, sending him into the wall at Turn 1.
In the German’s defence, he had no where to go; thankfully, the German’s AMR22 could be repaired during the red-flag interval.
Vettel’s 9th place finish saw him score vital points for the Constructors’ Championship, especially with both Haas F1 Team drivers finishing in the points.
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Aston Martin now sit ninth in the Constructors’ Standings, two points behind Haas and seven behind AlphaTauri.
Vettel has been the star performer at the British team this season; however, the 35-year-old is yet to sign a new deal for 2023.
The four-time World Champion is currently without a drive for next season, due to complications with Aston Martin’s title sponsor.
Aramco, the state-owned Saudi Arabian oil company, are believed to be unhappy with Vettel’s behaviour in regards to his activism.
Vettel has been a profound supporter of climate change and reducing the use of fossil fuels, in particular, something which Aramco supplies.
It’s rumoured that Vettel decided not to use a special helmet at the Canadian GP, after Aramco informed the team that they objected to the negative publicity.
Vettel spoke out against Canada’s oil sands mining, something which he called “climate crime”.
Vettel’s support of these areas is supposedly the only hurdle, with Aston Martin keen to retain the German for next season.
“The construction contribution he makes far outweighs any negative vibrations,” team boss Mike Krack said.
“With a driver of the calibre of Sebastian, you have to live with strong opinions. First and foremost, you want a fast racing driver. And with Seb, that’s out of the question for me.
“The pace is still there.
“There aren’t many top racers with that level of experience who still put in that level of work anymore. We are super happy with him and we wish he had signed yesterday.”
Krack went on to explain that Vettel is wanting to see improvement from the team first, before deciding to re-sign.
“If he sees the light at the end of the tunnel, then the decision is much easier for him,” he said. “Sebastian Vettel doesn’t race for 17th place.”