Lance Stroll Injury, Aston Martin Thought Of Using Sebastian Vettel's Service

Former Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel. (Photo: Twitter/@F1)

JAKARTA - Aston Martin has yet to appoint a replacement for Lance Stroll, who has suffered an injury. In the race in Saudi Arabia, Fernando Alonso raced alone.

Aston Martin had considered Sebastian Vettel's name to fill his position temporarily. This was revealed by Aston Martin's team boss, Mike Krock

However, the plan was not carried out. Krack chose to be in the early strategy, considering that Vettel had decided to retire from Formula 1.

"Tempted (to recall Vettel)? Yes, 100 percent. But we didn't, because we have great respect for Sebastian and the decisions he made at the time," said Krock.

"We want to respect him, and we don't want to put him in a difficult position," he continued, quoted from the official F1 website, Wednesday, March 29.

Vettel decided to retire from F1 ahead of last summer's holiday. The four-time world champion made 53 race wins and 57 pole positions throughout his career with Aston Martin.

Vettel's presence was replaced by Fernando Alonso, who has so far received the third podium at the Bahrain GP and the Saudi Arabian GP. Meanwhile, Stroll suffered an ankle and leg injury in a training accident, keeping him out of pre-season tests.

Krack added that he received a special message from Vettel after Aston Martin scored a breakthrough podium with Alonso in the opening race. Vettel assesses Aston Martin has improved performance.

"We keep exchanging news. Sebastian congratulated us very politely, after our first podium in Bahrain," said Krock.

"I've always told him that this is also a service from him, because he really took us one step ahead for the previous two years. He raised us in many fields, where we have learned a lot and developed a lot," he added.