Sebastian Vettel may get stuck with Red Bull Racing after 2011 season – Formula 1 news
Sebastian Vettel’s contract with Red Bull reveals a clause that if he finishes in first three positions in the 2011 season he will be bound with the team until the 2012 season.
This was revealed by an editorial of Red Bull magazine, Speedweek.
Vettel signed a contract with Red Bull for 2009 until 2011 with some options regarding 2012. Now the options for Vettel are clear so let’s see whether he puts his performance at stake or his freedom.
Red Bull’s adviser Helmut Marko said about the clause, “There is an option based on the results. We will not just let a top driver go.”
Red Bull also said that they are looking forward to sign him until 2015. Even that was not enough for Red Bull team Principal Christian Horner who said that they were looking to keep the 23-year-old with them until 2028.
A former commentator James Allen said that as the deals start to flow around Vettel at the end of 2011, Red Bull will raise his salary for the 2012 season.
Definitely Vettel in a team would secure both success and publicity. Also, if his teammate, 35-year-old Mark Webber possibly retires this year, Red Bull will not like Vettel to move as well. If this happens, Red Bull will have to go in 2012 season with two
new faces.
McLaren’s manager Martin Whitmarsh has said in past that Vettel was on their radar before the 2008 season. At the end of the 2007 season the Toro Rosso rookie was offered a deal from McLaren but Vettel joined Red Bull instead.
“Sebastian is one of the great and promising talents and we at McLaren wanted to have him.” Martin said. He also admired the young promising lad and said that he will contact Vettel at the end of his contract in 2011.
Sebastian Vettel, the 2010 champion, himself has given a hunch about joining Ferrari in 2012 but now as the contract goes, Vettel finds himself stuck with the beverage company. Marko added, “It is a natural thing that a racing driver dreams of Ferrari, and
Ferrari looks at a great driver like Sebastian.”
In addition to Vettel’s interest in Ferrari, the German has long been targeted by Mercedes as well.
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