Sebastian Vettel signs up as Infiniti's 'Director of Performance' (w/VIDEO)

He may be Formula One’s bad-boy at the moment, but that hasn’t stopped Infiniti signing him up as their new ‘Director of Performance’. Sebastian Vettel, who was already one of the company’s brand ambassadors has stepped up to the task of promoting their latest model, the Q50.

Vettel has been central to the development of the new Infiniti Q50 from the early stages, with the development engineers in Japan, through to testing it at the Spanish Circuit de Catalunya in early March. He’s been joined in this role by Infiniti Red Bull Racing Test and Reserve driver Sebastien Buemi, who also tested the new model around the famed Nürburgring in Germany.

Making the announcement on the opening day of the New York International Auto Show, Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen said “Sebastian’s talent and ability behind the wheel is unquestionable and his role in developing Infiniti vehicles has already proven invaluable. How many premium automotive brands can honestly say its vehicles have been developed alongside a triple World Champion?”

“As our technical collaboration with Infiniti Red Bull Racing continues to deepen, so does our relationship with Sebastian who will be crucial to the development of our future vehicle line-up, ensuring Infiniti stands for passion and performance in a brand that challenges the status quo.”

As title sponsor of Infiniti Red Bull Racing from the start of the 2013 Formula One season and the team’s Vehicle Performance Partner, Infiniti has deepened its technical relationship with the Team this year. This announcement ensures that Vettel will continue to be involved in the development of future Infiniti vehicles.

“I am really happy to extend my relationship with Infiniti and become their Director of Performance,” said Sebastian Vettel. “Helping to develop the Infiniti Q50 was a very different type of driving duty for me but I approached it in exactly the same way as I do my Formula One car. I am looking forward to working closely with Infiniti in developing more of their road cars into the future.”