Extending Vettel is Ferrari’s priority for 2021

2020 will be a pivotal year in Formula 1, and not just for discipline. Sebastian Vettel is indeed approaching a crucial season for the rest of his career since his contract Ferrari expires at the end of the upcoming campaign. 

At the dawn of his 6th season in red, the German is no longer the natural leader of a Scuderia which extended his teammate Charles Leclerc until 2024 during the winter. At the end of 2019, the rumor of a transfer of Lewis Hamilton, also at the end of his contract with Mercedes, agitated the paddock, Mattia Binotto not closing the door to such heavyweight recruitment. 

At the launch of the new SF1000 this Tuesday in Reggio Emilia, the head of Gestione Sportiva revealed that negotiations between Ferrari and Vettel were already underway. 

“Seb is our first choice at the moment,” Binotto said. We are in discussions with him and will continue to do so, but he clearly has our preference ». 

Binotto has not, however, completely eliminated the prospect of securing Hamilton's services. 

« I don't have much to add to what I said previously., added the transalpine technician. We are focused on our drivers. We are not studying the Hamilton track at the moment ». 

At his side, Vettel added that he was eager to continue the Ferrari adventure that began in 2015 without being in a hurry to put his signature at the bottom of a new contract.

« As Mattia pointed out, we have to live in the moment and what matters at the moment is what is behind us (the SF1000), declared the four-time world champion. I still feel young. We're talking about Lewis, he's older than me so age isn't a problem. 

Three years ago, I didn't re-sign until mid-August so I was six months away from being without a steering wheel. I am focused on the present moment even if these are questions that will eventually have to be addressed. We have time to talk about it, there is no pressure. 

I feel good and confident. Last season was full of lessons. I can clearly improve in certain areas and I am convinced that I will do so this year. I'm not stressed, just impatient to prove things to myself ».