Retired four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel has said that he’s “happy” to see Fernando Alonso doing so well for Aston Martin; however, he admits that he’s thought about the fact the podium-finishing AMR23 could’ve been his.
Alonso was signed by the Silverstone-based team to replace Vettel, once the German had confirmed that he’d be retiring from the sport at the end of 2022.
When Vettel raced for the British team, they were a lower midfield team, something which certainly isn’t the case this season.
In two seasons, Vettel claimed one podium for Aston Martin, whereas Alonso has already achieved six.
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Aston Martin have made significant progress this season, something which has made Vettel think about where he’d be in the championship if he’d opted against retiring.
He still insists that retiring was the right decision though, despite the fact he’s still “figuring” out what exactly he wants to do with his life.
“Naturally the thought has crossed my mind ‘this would have been the car I raced in if I continued’,” he told Sky F1 Juniors.
“The bottom line is I thought so much about my decision and what I want to do next, even though I don’t know exactly what I will do next – I’m still figuring that out.
“I’m happy for him [Alonso]. He’s been around for a long time. He’s had very good cars and cars that are maybe not so good, so I’m happy he’s in a better car now again.
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“Plus I worked with the team for the last two years and I’m really excited for them because they have a more competitive car and it’s always more exciting when you challenge for big points and podiums.
“I’m happy with it and happy as I can be now. Any racing driver or sportsperson, at some point it is time to do something else, even if it is your own choice like me, or through injury.
“Then you can look back at it in two ways – you can look back and say ‘that was so nice, I wish I could go back’. Or you look forward and are excited about what’s coming next.”