Nothing changes for Vettel after retirement announcement: 'He is a machine'

Tom McCullough calls Sebastian Vettel a "machine" that keeps on working as ever. The German driver is putting a stop to his career after 2022, but for him that does not mean he is working less hard in the final races.

Vettel hangs helmet on the willows

McCullough, performance director at Aston Martin, praises Vettel for his efforts. The German announced before the Hungarian Grand Prix that he will no longer be on the grid in 2023. So although he is on his farewell tour in Formula 1, he is working no less hard.

According to McCullough, Vettel is the "ultimate professional". The British engineer says Vettel's attitude has not changed since he announced his departure. "Maybe he is a bit more relaxed in himself but I wouldn’t see that in the engineering office or the way he drives the car," McCullough is quoted as saying by Formula1News.co.uk.

"Sebastian is a bit of a machine from the work side of things," McCullough continued. The Briton is sad to see Vettel leave Aston Martin and the sport. Vettel brought a lot to the team and he was fun to work with, the engineer believes.

Alonso the replacement

Aston Martin has already secured Vettel's replacement. Fernando Alonso is coming over from Alpine to join the team. As a result, Aston Martin once again has a former world champion behind the wheel.