Sebastian Vettel to leave Ferrari

DavidKlyne
DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,857 ✭✭✭
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edited May 2020 in Sports #1

It has just been announced that Sebastian Vettel will leave Ferrari at the end of the 2020 season. More information here. Although he is only 32 it looks as if his career in F1 is coming to an end because it's unlikely that he will go to Mercedes or Red Bull. So it looks as though his objective of winning another championship is unlikely. 

David

Comments

  • Bluemalaga
    Bluemalaga Forum Participant Posts: 936
    edited May 2020 #2

    Not necessarily as Lewis Hamilton has hinted at his desire to drive for Ferrari. Would I be correct in thinking McLaren will have Mercedes engines again in 2021/22.

    Should be an interesting driver shuffle.

     

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,636 ✭
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    edited May 2020 #3

    But would Lewis really want to be in the same car as LeClerc, who's proving to a quite formidable driver?

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited May 2020 #4

    I thought LH was pretty much wedded to Mercedes

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,857 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2020 #5

    If we are talking about juggling drivers this might be an interesting read.  https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/29165357/assessing-candidates-replace-vettel-ferrari Given the length of LeClerk's contract it is clear they see him as their number one driver which would immediately rule out the likes of LH?

    David

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited May 2020 #6

    Perhaps LH might think about Ferrari once he has got the next two championships under his belt, just as something to finish off his career without being too concerned at being second fiddle.

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,144 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2020 #7

    Personally I think Carlos is probably favourite, maybe a straight swop between them both although it wouldn’t surprise me to see Vettel retire

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,857 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2020 #8

    That wouldn't surprise me either. He does have three small children which might influence the decision. I think he is too used to being top dog and from that point of view I can't really see him going to any team where he wouldn't get a sniff at the championship. The only team I think he would realistically think about going to is Mercedes but not with LH there? I suppose one scenario might be a swap with Bottas? We will have to await the next chapter!

    David

  • JollyKernow
    JollyKernow Forum Participant Posts: 2,629
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    edited May 2020 #9

    Hi

    My take is LH will stay at Mercedes as it's his best chance of beating Shumackers 7 titles. Then he will then take a behind the scenes role with Toto. Vettel will bow out, he's not been comfortable with the new young gun Leclerc, who easily outperforms him. Not sure about Carlos, there's a few up for that red seat I think?! Maybe Bottas as he's no chance of a title while LH is in the next garage.

    JK

  • nelliethehooker
    nelliethehooker Club Member Posts: 13,636 ✭
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    edited May 2020 #10

    According to the BBC Sport website's Carlos is in talks to replace Vettal and his spot at McLaren is to be filled by Daniel Ricciardo.

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,857 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2020 #11

    I wonder if that is a better move for Daniel than for Carlos? The strange thing is of course that the season hasn't even started yet and it is very unusual to know about future moves at this stage. We won't get a full season of races but it is possible some venues will be doubled up.

    David

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,383 ✭
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    edited May 2020 #12

    The deal is done and was confirmed by both teams yesterday morning.

    peedee

  • bill
    bill Forum Participant Posts: 388
    edited May 2020 #13

    That surely leaves Vettel with the only potential option of Renault who I guess would have no chance of winning a World Championship in 2021 while using a Renault engine.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
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    edited May 2020 #14

    Probably considered heresy by some but I've often wondered whether Vettel's titles were due more to Adrian Newey than his ability on the track.

  • Oneputt
    Oneputt Club Member Posts: 9,144 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2020 #15

    In formula 1 Renault and Renault powered cars have won about 160 F1 races so they have winning ways and many those races, championships were with Seb at the wheel.  Having said that I do believe there is a high probability he will retire.

    No doubt Newey contributed massively to the success but remember he joined Red Bull in 2006 and didn’t have any real success until Seb joined RB and won the 2010 championship. I think the normally aspirated engine era suited Vettel’s driving style way over the current engines.

    If there is any racing this year it will be interesting to see if MB is right and we will see a much more aggressive, don’t care what the team wants attitude.  

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