UpdateF1 >> Formula 1 News > Vettel joins Red Bull for '09

German partners Webber

As has been expected for some time, Red Bull Racing have today announced that Sebastian Vettel, currently a driver for Scuderia Toro Rosso, will partner Mark Williams at Red Bull for the 2009 season.

The recent announcement of David Coulthard’s impending retirement led to speculation that the young German, just 21, would be moving up to the main squad, and today’s announcement comes on the eve of Vettels home race at Hockenheim in Germany.

Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, expressed his delight at the deal:

“With David Coulthard announcing his retirement as a Formula One driver a fortnight ago at the British Grand Prix, after careful consideration, it seemed natural to announce his replacement here at Sebastian's home race in Hockenheim. “

"As he was already part of the Red Bull family, choosing Sebastian as Mark Webber's team-mate was not a difficult decision. However, we have always stated that our aim is to have the strongest available driver line-up and Vettel's selection also matches these criteria.

"Having only turned 21 at the last race and with only 17 Grand Prix starts to his name, he is still on a learning curve, but it is clear that he has plenty of ability and speed. We are confident that Red Bull Racing will make the most of these attributes and believe that, in Mark and Sebastian, we have a very competitive driver line-up for 2009."

Vettel was equally ebullient, adding:

"I am very proud to be joining Red Bull Racing and it's always good to have an early decision on what you are doing next year. As a driver your target is always to be with the most competitive team possible and, over the past couple of years, Red Bull Racing has proved it has great potential, so this is a good move for me.

"I have been part of the Red Bull family for a long time and with its Junior Team since 2000. Throughout my career, they have offered me great support and now, to drive for their senior F1 team is a dream come true and I am looking forward to having a great season next year, even if I still have a lot to learn about F1.

"Apart from Red Bull, I must also say a big thank you to Scuderia Toro Rosso, where I feel very much at home. They have been my "family" for over a year and I would like to thank Franz (Tost) and Gerhard (Berger) for the opportunity they gave me and thank the entire team for all their efforts.

"Having got this announcement out of the way, I can concentrate on racing for Toro Rosso over the second half of the season. I will try and repay them by doing my very best to get some more good results, to add to those we have achieved so far."

The move puts another piece of the 2009 jigsaw in place, and means Red Bull are the only team to have finalised their line up for next year so far, although both Ferrari drivers – Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen – are believed to have contracts in place.

Written: Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:23:24