Sebastian Vettel is set to leave Ferrari at the end of the 2020 Formula 1 season after failing to agree a new contract with the team, according to reports. Negotiations over a new deal have been taking place since earlier this year, but it has been widely reported overnight in German media that the talks between both parties broke down with no agreement.
An official announcement confirming Vettel and Ferrari’s split after a six-year spell could come as early as Tuesday morning.
The four-time world champion’s future at Ferrari has long been speculated, with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting in recent weeks that Vettel – who signed a three-year deal with the Scuderia in 2017 – had been offered a one-year contract on significantly reduced terms.
Despite racking up 14 victories for Ferrari and leading its failed title bids in 2017 and 2018, Vettel’s position as a clear number one at Maranello had been threatened by Charles Leclerc’s arrival in 2019.
A stunning maiden season saw Leclerc claim two victories and beat Vettel to fourth place in the championship standings. The Monegasque was subsequently rewarded with a long-term contract over the winter which has tied him down to Ferrari until the end of 2024.
McLaren’s Carlos Sainz and Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo are among the drivers linked to Vettel’s seat. Ferrari’s other options include Italian Antonio Giovinazzi, who drives for the Alfa Romeo team would enjoys a close relationship with the Scuderia.
Despite much speculation in recent months, Lewis Hamilton is not considered to be a possibility after the Briton distanced himself from the rumours.
Hamilton has insisted he wants to continue his successful partnership with Mercedes, with whom he has claimed five of his six world championship titles, although an official announcement is yet to come.
Vettel’s future in F1 is unclear. Reports in Italian media have claimed that the German, who turns 33 in July, has already received a firm offer from Renault, with Daniel Ricciardo known to be unsettled at the French squad following a disappointing first campaign after leaving Red Bull at the end of 2018.
McLaren could end up being a possibility for Vettel in the event that Sainz becomes his replacement at Ferrari. While the 25-year-old is happy at McLaren, he is also out of contract at the end of 2020.
A return to Red Bull, where Vettel won all four of his world championship titles between 2010 and 2013, is understood to be unlikely.
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