Sebastian Vettel in talks over a deal to join Aston Martin F1 team

According to reports in Germany, outgoing Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel is in talks over a deal to join the new Aston Martin F1 team.

Vettel and Ferrari announced earlier this year that the four-time world champion would be leaving the Italian team after five years.

The 33-year-old is thought to have been offered a deal by Racing Point owner Lawrence Stroll, who is rebranding the team to become Aston Martin.

According to the German newspaper Bild, Vettel has held talks to become the team's marquee signing.

Sergio Perez, who currently races for Racing Point, is tied down to a long-term contract with the team. Stroll's son Lance also drives for the team and isn't expected to leave anytime soon.

Racing Point team principal Otmar Szafnauer played down the suggestion of approaching Vettel after the German driver had announced his availability.

Szafnauer told Autosport last week: 'Well, as I've said before, it's flattering to everyone that a four-time world champion would come to our team, but maybe that's because the car is a bit quicker now.

'You're absolutely right; we have long contracts with both our drivers, so it would only be logical that we don't have space.'