Who can take over from Vettel? "Ricciardo had his chance with top team"
F1 News
- GPblog.com
Sebastian Vettel is still negotiating with Ferrari on a possible extension of his contract. Because his position within the team is anything but certain, he seems to be the person who will start the driver market for 2021 once a decision is made. A decision that, according to some analysts, does not depend on him.
Due to the successful entry of Charles Leclerc into the team in 2019, Ferrari Vettel needs Vettel less as a first driver. That became quite clear this winter when Leclerc's contract was extended until 2024. Vettel, in turn, would have declined an offer from Ferrari, in which he earns less and loses his status as first driver.
However, according to Paul di Resta, the German is currently not in a position to demand much. "I don't think he has anything to say when it comes to this decision. He will have to accept what they give him and that may even mean that he is out", said the former Force India driver at Sky Sports F1.
Sainz has preference over Ricciardo
Also colleague Karun Chandhok thinks that Vettel is in a difficult negotiating position. "I wouldn't be surprised if he has to hand in a large part of his salary. You don't have to pay him that much." Di Resta adds that next season Vettel will have to prove himself first and that Ferrari would be crazy to extend him for that time.
Possible successors Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz will openly apply for the second seat at the Scuderia in the meantime. Chandhok would choose the Spaniard in that case. "Danny Ric has had his chance on a top team, Carlos hasn't had his chance yet."