Vettel's future at Ferrari could be decided before the start of the season

Despite the general confinement and a 2020 season which we still do not know if it will ever start, he still has not taken to social networks. On the other hand, Sebastian Vettel was online from early Thursday morning, little polo Ferrari on the shoulders, to participate in a 2.0 press conference. 

« I've been up for two hours already, smiled the four-time world champion when asked why the international media had been invited so early in the day. I'm a morning person. I like to start the day early. This way I can do a lot of things ». 

It must be said that with 3 young children at home, Vettel and his partner have plenty to keep them busy. “ We don't homeschool them yet., said the German, visibly in a good mood. There is no pre-established program. Two of them are in kindergarten so we can review several things. We try to entertain them by keeping them busy ».

For more than 40 minutes, Vettel was true to himself: courteous, sometimes prickly, always thoughtful, even if he did not say much on the subject that interested the digital assembly, namely his future at Ferrari . Him whose current contract expires at the end of the 2020 season. 

In the world before, the two parties, who lean more towards a renewal of vows, would have liked to base their discussions on the first rounds of the year. Except that there won't be any racing before the start of summer, in the best case scenario. 

While the current period of calm may prove conducive to calm negotiation, Vettel explains that he and Ferrari had other imperatives after the cancellation of the first Grand Prix of the year in Melbourne last month. 

« The priority after Australia was to understand the situation we were dealing with and ensure the health of employees., said the German. Our attention and energy naturally focused on these subjects. 

It seems that we still have time before we resume because the first Grand Prix is ​​not planned for a while. I am sure that this will give us the opportunity to move forward in discussions ». 

In recent years, teams have tended to announce renewals and other new contracts around mid-season, just to cut short rumors and limit potential sources of distraction. In view of the current health situation, Vettel recognizes that his future could be decided before the opening of the festivities. 

« There is a chance that the situation will have to be resolved before the start of the season because it looks like there will be no F1 before June-July, he added. We are all waiting. 

The priority was to handle the situation correctly. All other folders have been paused. It's not as if a few days after Australia, we said to ourselves: “Okay, let’s talk about the future.” We will discuss the subject but there is no timetable. Will the decision come before the first race or not? This will depend on when this first race is held. ». 

• “I am one of the most experienced drivers on the grid”

If Ferrari and Vettel appear inclined to continue the adventure together, the situation has changed at Maranello since the arrival of Charles Leclerc last year. Author of a sparkling 2019 season, crowned with a pair of victories, 7 pole positions, and a better ranking in the Drivers' championship than his illustrious teammate, the Monegasque has already extended until 2024, at less. 

Suffice it to say that Vettel is no longer in a position of strength, hence perhaps these rumors coming from Italy reporting an offer from the Scuderia for a single additional season, with a reduction in salary. With 53 career victories, and at only 32 years old, would Vettel agree to become what Räikkönen was when they teamed up in red?

« Whatever the final deal, it will have to suit both parties, the team and me, replied the German when asked if he wanted to stay in F1 at all costs at least until the advent of the new technical regulations, postponed to 2022. My previous contracts spanned 3 seasons. I am one of the most experienced drivers on the grid but I am not the oldest and I don't think there is an age limit in this sport ».

Between the lines, Vettel therefore makes it known that he is still good for the service and suggests that he is not ready to sell off his services. The four-time world champion, however, confirmed that he was studying the possibility of lowering his emoluments this season due to the looming economic crisis. 

On the other hand, he will not communicate officially on the subject because « it's not like him to advertise with this kind of subject », says the person concerned. At the same time, it’s difficult to self-promote when you’re not on social media…