Sainz on pole to replace Vettel at Ferrari?

By refusing to extend his lease to Maranello beyond the 2020 campaign, Sebastian Vettel freed up one of the most coveted places on the grid. Finally released, so to speak, because as an actor in the paddock points out to us, the Scuderia “would not have announced the non-renewal of Vettel’s contract without already having his replacement in the pipeline.”

So who will be the lucky one? Very quickly, a name stood out: that of Carlos Sainz. Author of an excellent 2019 season, crowned with a first career podium and the honorary title of “best of the others”, the driver McLaren had already mentioned the rumor during the winter tests, saying he was very happy to carry out the Woking project.

But the sirens of Maranello have a charm that is as captivating as it is dangerous. Because Charles Leclerc is now the boss among the Reds and the Italian leaders saw what the meeting of two roosters in the same barnyard with Vettel gave last year. Will the Monegasque's future teammate agree to play second fiddle?

In any case, several sources have confirmed the Ferrari-Sainz merger to us. The deal would even already be on the verge of being finalized and an announcement could come quickly. However, let us remain cautious because Ferrari has the habit of drawing up pre-contracts which do not always come to fruition. Nico Hulkenberg knows something about it having had the experience when he was at Sauber in 2013. We will come back to the German's profile later.

The second name that comes up most insistently is that of Daniel Ricciardo. With his Italian-sounding surname, his record of multiple Grand Prix winners, his vast experience, and his permanent good humor, there is no doubt that the Australian would quickly get fans in his pocket.

Two years ago, Ricciardo had already been approached at Ferrari, this time replacing Kimi Raïkkönen. The contacts were unsuccessful and the pilot Red Bull had finally decided to take the gamble Renault for two years, knowing that he would be free again at the end of 2020. Halfway through, the results are mixed and it is hard to imagine Ricciardo refusing a trans offeralpine. However, his salary expectations, much higher than those of Sainz, are perhaps a hindrance for Maranello, which has upgraded Leclerc.

We can also think that Ferrari wants to return to its usual philosophy in terms of driver hierarchy, namely a designated Number 1 and a very solid Number 2 to secure the big points and grab a few victories. Ricciardo will not accept this second status, while Sainz could undoubtedly consider it temporarily. Anyway, all drivers think they can beat their teammate.

Behind these two main candidates, other riders have a profile which could fit with that sought by Maranello. 

Not political for a penny, reliable, and with an impeccable state of mind, Valtteri Bottas brings happiness to Mercedes since 2017 and has played a significant role in the quest for the Drivers-Constructors double over the last three seasons. If his taciturn character does not make him the sexiest choice, the Finn would have the merit of not unleashing passions, always ready to ignite in Italy.

As Sainz gets closer to Maranello, one of his former teammates, Nico Hülkenberg perhaps thinks he has a chance. After all, the German dominated the Spaniard when the two were paired at Renault in 2018. At the time, the Madrilenian came close to losing his place on the grid following the recruitment of Ricciardo. As it turns out, the story moves quickly F1 and timing is crucial. Hülkenberg, as pointed out earlier, almost joined Ferrari in 2014…

Former member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, Antonio Giovinazzi maintains close ties with Maranello, the very ones who facilitated his tenure at Alfa Romeo last year. Could the Italian find himself promoted within the venerable trans institutionalpine ? His CV appears a little light for the moment.

Finally remain two explosive but unlikely options, not to say fanciful. The first is that of a return of Fernando Alonso in the team where he shone like a black diamond between 2010 and 2014. But does Ferrari even want to stick in Leclerc's paws a personality like the Bull of Asturias, who is hard to imagine playing mentors like an old man? wise. Not to mention that the Spaniard recently declared that he was rather eyeing theEndurance. But that was before the news of Vettel’s departure…

And then there is the eternal rumor Lewis Hamilton. As if, to roughly paraphrase the advertising executive Jacques Séguéla, you haven't succeeded in life if you haven't won with Ferrari. The six-time world champion did not deny having had contact with the management of Maranello at the end of last season. But he recently brushed aside any desire to leave Mercedes by assuring that he was already “with his dream team”.

All you have to do is make your bets: the suspense will be short-lived in any case.