Sebastian Vettel ready to 'build something very special' after confirming switch to Aston Martin F1 team

The 33-year-old German replaces Mexican Sergio Perez, who will depart at the end of the 2020 season

Sebastian Vettel during media day ahead of the 2020 season-opening Australian Grand Prix. Reuters

Sebastian Vettel in action during qualifying for the 2019 Canadian Grand Prix. Reuters

Sebastian Vettel, right, on the podium with Max Verstappen, left, and Lewis Hamilton, centre, after the Hungarian Grand Prix. EPA

Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton tussle during the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix. Reuters

Sebastian Vettel during pre-season testing in Barcelona. Reuters

Sebastian Vettel takes part in practice for the French Grand Prix. Getty Images

Sparks fly from Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari during the 2019 Brahrain Grand Prix. Reuters

Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc during a photo session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Getty Images

Sebastian Vettel arrives for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Victor Besa / The National

Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen talk before the United States Grand Prix. Getty Images

Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel will race for Aston Martin, the new name for the Canadian-owned Racing Point team, on a multi-year deal after leaving Ferrari at the end of the season.

The 33-year-old German replaces Mexican Sergio Perez, whose departure at the end of the 2020 season was announced on Wednesday.

"I am pleased to finally share this exciting news about my future. I'm extremely proud to say that I will become an Aston Martin driver in 2021," Vettel said in a team statement ahead of Sunday's Tuscan Grand Prix at Italy's Mugello circuit.

"It’s a new adventure for me with a truly legendary car company. I have been impressed with the results the team has achieved this year and I believe the future looks even brighter.

"I believe we can build something very special together. I still have so much love for Formula One and my only motivation is to race at the front of the grid."

The statement did not give details but said Vettel, who won his titles for Red Bull between 2010-13, had signed up "for 2021 and beyond."

Vettel has had a tough time at Ferrari since the arrival of Monegasque Charles Leclerc, with the youngster beating him on wins, points and poles last season.

Ferrari have struggled this year but announced in May, before the season had even started, that Vettel would be leaving at the end of the year. He will be replaced by Spaniard Carlos Sainz from McLaren.

Racing Point are fourth overall after eight races, with Ferrari sixth.

At Mercedes-powered Aston Martin, Vettel will team up with Canadian Lance Stroll, son of the team's billionaire owner Lawrence who is also the executive chairman of the British-based sportscar maker.

"Everybody at Silverstone is hugely excited by this news. Sebastian is a proven champion and brings a winning mentality that matches our own ambitions for the future as Aston Martin F1 team," team principal Otmar Szafnauer said.

"Sebastian is one of the best in the world and I can’t think of a better driver to help take us into this new era. He will play a significant role in taking this team to the next level."