Sebastian Vettel, multi-world champion, has agreed to leave Ferrari at the end of the season. Ferrari had great expectations for the German driver. Yet, he did not manage to achieve any championship since joining the team back in 2015.
The things are looking hazy for Vettel since Red Bull, his previous team, ruled out re-signing the 32-year old veteran. Red Bull helped him achieve four consecutive World titles between 2010-2013. However, Red Bull has young drivers who show promise, including 22-year-old Max Verstappen and newly signed English driver Alexander Albon, on the roster.
Not everything is negative. Vettel was offered a deal with Mclaren to run alongside young British driver Lando Norris. Many expected Ferrari and Mclaren to work out an exchange between Sainz and Vettel. However, F1- insider has reported that Vettel rejected the deal because he was unwilling to spend time on a developing car.
With Red Bull not being an option and rejecting Mclaren’s offer, Sebastian Vettel is left with no team for 2021. Some have commented that Vettel may have some alternatives. One could be signing with Mercedes. It seems very unlikely, but still a possibility. Right now, the four-time title holder’s future is unclear.
If he is unable to sign with any team and decides to retire that would mean that the 2021 season would be the first F1 season since 1990 without a German driver. A huge loss for the sport.
Finally, the 2020 Formula One World Championship was supposed to start in March. It has been postponed until July due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, the exact number of races is uncertain. Some races have been canceled and there is no certainty that all postponed races will be held on later dates.
