Formula 1: Speculations about Sebastian Vettel ended

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Formula 1 driver Felipe Drugovich

Photo: IMAGO/Sam Bloxham / IMAGO/Motorsport Images

Aston Martin has ended speculation about Sebastian Vettel's lightning comeback in Formula 1.

After Lance Stroll's bike accident, the German, who retired at the end of last season, was traded as a replacement candidate at his former racing team for the start of the season in Bahrain in a week's time.

The English team has now made it clear that Stroll will continue to get "every chance" of driving the race.

Should he drop out, reserve pilot Felipe Drugovich will be deployed alongside Spaniard Fernando Alonso.

Drugovich had already replaced Stroll in the tests, which ended on Saturday.

Team boss Mike Krack admitted to having held talks with Vettel but did not go into details.

"I've had a few phone calls with Sebastian, but that's been the case for the past year and will continue to be so," Krack said.

Has Vettel declared his willingness to come back if Aston Martin needs a replacement for Stroll?

"I can't tell you that," Krack said.

"First, our plan is to have Lance in the car, and then we'll see."

Stroll was injured in a bike accident during training, which is why the Canadian was unable to take part in the tests.

Aston Martin spoke of a "minor accident", the pilot expects a "quick recovery".

But there are rumors that Stroll could be out longer.

There was speculation about Vettel as a possible replacement.

The ex-world champion had not signed a new contract with Aston Martin at the end of the past Formula 1 season and then officially ended his career.

"The decision to resign was difficult for me and I spent a lot of time thinking about it," Vettel said in a statement from his team.

He gave his private life as one of the reasons for his resignation: “It is very clear to me that as a father I want to spend more time with my family.”

ara/dpa