The 2021 F1 season is just around the corner, and Aston Martin Racing are one of the most highly anticipated teams on the grid. And it isn’t just because of their return to the sport after over 6 decades, but it is also for their sensational recruitment of Sebastian Vettel.

The German had a rather difficult 2020 season at Ferrari, securing just 1 podium out of the year-long racing calendar. But AMR apparently saw something in the 4-time world champion that was overshadowing his dismal form.

And by the looks of it, things are looking pretty positive for the British team, with Vettel making huge contributions even before the start of the season.

What’s more, Aston Martin’s technical director, Andy Green, opined that if Vettel underperforms over the upcoming season, the blame goes to the team, and not the pilot.

Green’s view on Sebastian Vettel

As reported by RACER, Green opened up that Vettel had integrated into the team quite rapidly. Furthermore, the German is apparently making substantial contributions to the returning F1 constructor.

“We haven’t really got into where his head was at previously. We’re a team looking forward. But all I can say is he appears incredibly relaxed,” the Briton said.

Green further added: “He has integrated into the team very quickly. His contribution started immediately,”

The approaching F1 campaign could be the season of redemption for Vettel, as he fell into a pool of criticisms through most of 2020. People reckoned that his prime was all but over and it was time to bid adieu to the sport. But Aston Martin suggested otherwise.

They felt that he was in the wrong team, and considering the recent developments, that could be true. Ferrari, too, mentioned that they had moved on from the German, as it had nothing to do with his form.

He’s at the top of his career: Green

Now that Aston Martin are confident that Vettel still has quite a lot of juice left in him, they are ready to take the blame if the 33-year-old fails to shine over the upcoming season.

“I think we’re going to get the best out of Seb, I really do,” Green said. “He’s at the top of his career, he’s there. So I think if we can’t extract the best out of Seb it’s our fault, not his. I’m confident we can get Seb in the right place.”

Things are panning out pretty well for Aston Martin amidst the approaching F1 season. Of course, first and foremost, the interesting line-up of drivers. But apart from that, the recently unveiled AMR21 resembled the Mercedes’ championship-winning car, W11.

Hence, with loads of positives in hand already, how far will Aston Martin jump ahead on the constructor’s table this time around? Will they catch up to the top-field pack? Well, let’s see what the future holds.

Also Read: Who Are Aston Martin’s F1 Sponsors for the 2021 Season?