Column

Will this be Sebastian Vettel's final season as a Formula 1 driver?

2 February 2020 at 13:52
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  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

One of the most heavily criticised drivers from the 2019 Formula 1 season was Sebastian Vettel. Under pressure from a Ferrari car that couldn't compete with Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes, the German made mistake after mistake. After Charles Leclerc was given a mega-contract extension in December, Vettel is being made to wait and prove himself before getting a deal secured. 

The four-time world champion will be 33-years-old by the time the 2021 season commences, but that shouldn't throw up any concerns as both Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen are proving there's still life left in F1 beyond 34. And speaking of Raikkonen, Ferrari could opt to use Vettel in a similar way to how they used Raikkonen in his final years at Ferrari. But will Vettel agree to that?

The future

Whatever happens, the future at Ferrari is Leclerc. The man from Monaco is driving red until at least 2024. And whether or not those at Ferrari admit it, they've got a tricky decision in picking a number one driver. 

Leclerc out-performed his teammate last season and that gives the Ferrari bosses a bigger headache. Add in the numerous scabbles on-track which ended in a collision, and they've got a lot to consider. Was there something in Leclerc's contract that addresses this scenario? We will never know. 

As stated above, surely Vettel will have to change roles within the team if he wishes to stay beyond 2020. He'll have to become a support driver to Leclerc as the sport enters a new era which is 'meant' to be all about his rivalry with Max Verstappen. But will the German want this? He's never been one to sit back in a supportive role even during his time at Aston Martin Red Bull Racing...multi 21...multi 21 Seb. 

Elsewhere

Just like Raikkonen did, Vettel might need to look elsewhere. I can't see him being interested in a deal further down the grid, and therefore I expect we'll see him leave if he doesn't fancy filling the supportive role at Ferrari. But who would take him on? 

There's been talk about Daniel Ricciardo taking the Ferrari seat which would free a spot at Renault in 2021. He could fill this, but Renault are keen to get one of their Academy drivers in F1. Other than that, Vettel's options look thin.