Sebastian Vettel is enduring a tough start to 2021. With no points scored in the first 3 races, the German is struggling to make it to Q3, let alone stay competitive in the midfield.

The move from Ferrari to Aston Martin seemed set to do the trick for Vettel. Last season, the team finished 4th in the constructors’ standings, just 7 points shy of McLaren.

However, the team have struggled for pace across all 3 races so far, and have found themselves in 7th place in the constructors’ championship with barely 5 points.

Vettel: Need to be realistic

While the car certainly has one of the most attractive color schemes on the grid, their pace hasn’t quite matched it. With the 2021 rule changes affecting the car’s ability to generate more downforce, Aston Martin have taken a hit in overall performance.

Because of this, the team now looks like it needs to change its expectations for the season. While Vettel looks like he has resigned to his fate, he also says that they need to be realistic.

Vettel said, “It is what it is. We’re also realistic. Of course, it’s not the way we would have liked it to be, but at the end of the day it’s not a request concert. We’re trying to improve every little step we can, in order to be able to take more points with us in the midfield.” 

2021 or 2022? Where should Aston Martin’s priority lie?

While the upgrade packages through the season may offer a glimmer of hope, the car seems to be outperformed by their direct competitors in the midfield, namely McLaren and Ferrari.

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Vettel pointed out that the priority for the team in terms of 2021 or 2022 raises a key question. However, he went on to highlight that the current season is far from finished and a lot of points are still up for the taking.

“That is the big question,” said Vettel. “This year is also important for us. Obviously, we don’t want to be satisfied with where we are now. We are working on this year as well as looking ahead.”

With Vettel finishing 8th and 11th in FP1 and FP2 respectively at the ongoing Spanish Grand Prix, we wait to see if he can score his first points of the season this weekend.