Sebastian Vettel has to look for a new employer after the 2020 season. According to information from auto motor und sport, the contract negotiations with Ferrari have failed. For Heppenheimer, the signs are goodbye.
L is have Ferrari team boss struggled Mattia Binotto and Sebastian Vettel to a new contract. But now the talks with the four-time world champion apparently ended without results. According to information from auto motor und sport, it was not possible to agree on a new deal. The separation could be officially announced on Tuesday (May 12th).
The current three-year contract with the 32-year-old expires at the end of the 2020 season. From Italy it was recently heard again and again that Ferrari had offered the pilot from Heppenheim an extension, but apparently the conditions for continued employment were not good enough from Vettel's point of view.
Farewell without a Ferrari title?
The reasons for the failure of the contract poker can only be speculated. Vettel allegedly aimed for a longer term for the new working paper. Discussions also included a reduction in salary envisaged by Ferrari. In the end, the differences obviously could not be bridged.
After the fifth season in red overalls with many low points, confidence on the part of Vettel was also somewhat broken. The desired first title with Ferrari was never really within reach. In addition, newcomer Charles Leclerc often disrespected in between, without the team leadership slowing down the Monegasque.
Now the paths of Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel will separate after the 2020 season. The German celebrated 14 victories in 101 races for the Scuderia. Even though he could take many Tifosi to heart with his open and honest manner, Vettel was unable to achieve his big goal and to follow in the footsteps of Michael Schumacher.
Without options there is only withdrawal
It is doubtful whether Vettel will still have a Formula 1 life after Ferrari after the separation. The options for the seasoned do not look rosy. As long as Lewis Hamilton drives at Mercedes, the silver arrow door is locked. The way to Red Bull would be open, but Vettel will certainly not want to do an internal duel with Max Verstappen.
There was also speculation about a move to McLaren because team boss Andreas Seidl had worked with Vettel in the old BMW days. But this solution is also extremely unlikely. McLaren corporate boss Zak Brown recently called for a budget cap cut to $ 100 million. There is no place for a four-time world champion with corresponding salary expectations.
In addition, Vettel certainly does not want to play the construction assistant at this point in his career. The father of three had recently indicated in a video conference that a change of team was no longer up for discussion. So fans must be happy with the idea that the Formula 1 circus will make its rounds without Vettel from 2021.
Who will be the new Leclerc teammate?
The only question that remains to be clarified is who will inherit Vettel from Ferrari? One of the candidates is definitely Daniel Ricciardo, who has repeatedly emphasized his affection for the Maranello team. Lewis Hamilton is also an option as long as the champion has not yet signed with Mercedes. Both sides have already admitted that the first informal meeting has already taken place.
In the end, however, Carlos Sainz could win the race. The Spaniard made a brilliant impression at McLaren last season. With consistently strong performances, the Madrilene secured sixth place in the drivers' championship, proving that he has higher ambitions. Switching to Ferrari would not be a surprise.
The junior drivers from the Ferrari Academy, on the other hand, should not have any great hopes for a promotion. Mick Schumacher, Robert Shwartzmann or Marcus Armstrong have yet to prove that they have what it takes for the premier class. A rise in the factory team would certainly be too early in 2021.
In the gallery we show you again the pictures of Sebastian Vettel's career - from karting talent from Heppenheim to the world-famous four-time champion.
