"Nostalgic" Vettel reveals 2021 DTM dream wrecked by 23-race F1 calendar

Sebastian Vettel has discussed with DTM boss Gerhard Berger the prospect of a dual campaign in 2021 but appears scuppered by Formula 1's record-breaking 23-race calendar.

Vettel, who joins Aston Martin from Ferrari at the end of the year, has said he would like to experience racing away from F1 without fully leaving the sport.

The German touring car championship, that is adapting to GT Pro regulations for next year, is of particular interest to the four-time F1 champion.

Although describing himself as "being nostalgic", Vettel has recognised the limitations of his ambition.

Reflecting on his discussions with Berger, Vettel said: "We spoke about the fact that, in the past, drivers did a lot of stuff outside Formula 1, but that’s a long, long time ago so I don’t think you can afford to go back.

"It would be nice just to drive different cars and face different challenges, but with a 23-race calendar in a single season it is also quite a difficult task because it covers already half of the weekends so you can do the maths."

An option potentially available to Vettel would be a one-off race in the championship, as Fernando Alonso did with the Indianapolis 500 while racing in F1 with McLaren.

The 34-year-old has also confirmed former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone's role in helping him acquire his drive with Aston Martin.

It had been rumoured Ecclestone had spoken to Lawrence Stroll, owner of Racing Point that rebrands as Aston Martin next season, about taking on Vettel at a time when it appeared the 34-year-old was on his way out of F1 after being released by Ferrari.

"What is true is that I’m speaking to both of them [Berger and Ecclestone] and, believe it or not, also other people," added Vettel.

"I would consider both of them as friends and also people that I would listen to and also actively look for advice [from]. I did speak about those things."

Jokingly asked whether any fee was involved for Ecclestone, Vettel replied: "I wouldn’t ask a commission from a 90-year-old. I’m not sure he could afford it!"

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