Ferrari F1 Driver Sebastian Vettel Adds 'Couch, Kitchen, Sofa' to List of 2021 Options
The only thing missing from Thursday's scheduled F1 media interview session with Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel was the theme music from the classic TV whodunit courtroom drama, Perry Mason.
Based on the line of questioning at Silverstone, one might get the idea that Vettel had been accused of stealing the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom ahead of Sunday's 70th Anniversary British Grand Prix. The latest episode of the Vettel saga got downright goofy, as the questions sounded like they were coming straight from the law office of Dewey, Cheatem & Howe.
Vettel's every movement, from who he elbow bumps to who he goes to the gas station with, were dissected. Here's how it all went down on Thursday.
Question: You were seen leaving the track last Sunday with (Racing Point team prinicpal) Otmar Szafnauer.
Vettel: That's correct. We were heading to the fuel station.
Q: And after the fuel station?
Vettel: After the fuel station, he was going home, and I continued somewhere else.
Q: But you were in his car?
Vettel: "I was. It was a nice car. It was a Ferrari Pista. I remember years ago he was talking about that car, and he obviously got one. He said that he was running out of fuel. I said, 'Well, where are you going,' We were heading in the same direction, and then I was going with him to the fuel station and then somewhere else."
Q: So, you were in separate cars?
Vettel: No, we were in the same car. But we were wearing masks. Obviously, you can't be two meters apart. I find it a bit awkward nowadays that people make a fuss out of everything. Actually, I don't see the point. I don't see the news in that, but OK, fine."
The prosecution was not quite ready to rest, as the next question was about Vettel's future. In particular, line of questioning turned to the possibility of Vettel's racing with Aston Martin (the team currently branded as Racing Point) in Formula 1 next season. Some reports say Vettel to Aston Martin to replace Sergio Perez is a done deal, though nothing has been announced.
"I've got lots of possibilities," Vettel said. "Maybe not so many in Formula 1, as you can do the math and see which seats are taken. I think as I've always mentioned, the most important thing is that I'm happy with my choice. Time will tell what the choice is, and then we'll go from there. I'm not too stressed about it."
But, Seb, what about that elbow greeting you gave with (Racing Point owner) Lawrence Stroll?
"I was also giving an elbow greeting to (Mercedes principal) Toto (Wolff) and (Red Bull principal) Christian (Horner) and other people in the paddock," Vettel said.
OK, so the four-time F1 champion who is leaving Ferrari at season's end wasn't ready to announce a move to Aston Martin on Thursday. If there's no deal there, what about the possibility of racing in another series, say Formula E or even sports cars.
"I have lots of options," Vettel said. "The kitchen, the couch, the sofa. Lots of options."
No further questions, Mr. Vettel. You're free to go.
For now, anyway.
