Sebastian Vettel's dilemma

Whether the German will turn his back on the elite roundabout forever at the end of this year, whether he just needs a break or whether he will continue driving is still up in the air. But what are the current – at least theoretical – options for the Ferrari dropout?

The announcement in May that Vettel and Ferrari were going their separate ways after this year didn't really come as a surprise. But it's the timing. As is well known, the season hadn't even started yet. Since then, Formula 1 fans around the world and observers have been puzzling over what move the former champion is now making. Mercedes change unlikely Toto Wolff, the head of the German-British racing team, has described a move to Mercedes as not being ruled out. In the poker for a place with the dominant team of the moment, Vettel is only an outsider. The explosiveness of a Lewis Hamilton/Sebastian Vettel pairing would probably be too much for the Silver Arrows, plus there is a promise for the future in-house: junior driver George Russell, currently parked at Williams, deserves a chance in Wolff's eyes. The 22-year-old Brit was also the winner of the virtual Grand Prix series during the Corona lockdown.

Vettel has no future at Ferrari. © AFP / LLUIS GENE

Vettel's door is closed to his old love Red Bull. A second top driver, who is also over 30 and not exactly cheap, does not fit into the concept of the project by company founder Dietrich Mateschitz. The Dutchman Max Verstappen is the clear number one, the half-Thai Alexander Albon should be able to prove his potential in 2019 after some strong scenes.

Renault seems possible, where a position has become vacant after Aussie star Daniel Ricciardo moved to McLaren. However, the top management in France has implemented an austerity program that makes financial leaps difficult. The cost cap that will apply in Formula 2021 from 1 would not be a problem on paper, as driver salaries are excluded from the regulation. Fernando Alonso is also apparently hinting at a Formula 1 comeback with a Renault ticket. Not a particularly tempting prospect Racing Point, which is mutating into the Aston Martin works team, would be another docking station. For PR reasons, the luxury English brand could use a driving force like Vettel at the start. Mercedes boss Wolff is on board as an investor in Aston Martin. It is doubtful whether Vettel wants to stay in midfield for a long time.

As you can see, the prospects are not too tempting. “Vettel’s situation is alarming,” said former world champion Damon Hill recently. “When you are at the top of a sport, it is particularly difficult because things can only go down.” Mark Webber, like Ricciardo, a former stablemate of Vettel, is therefore speculating that he will say goodbye for a while. “I think he will take a year off,” said the Australian. Afterwards, Vettel could reinvent himself “if he has the right atmosphere”.

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Sebastian Vettel's dilemma

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel may be facing his final round in Formula 1.

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