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Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel prepares to head out on track for the second practise session ahead of the 2019 F1 Singapore Grand Prix on The German would take his only win of the season in Sunday's race at the Marina Bay Street Circuit two days later. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)
With Sebastian Vettel set to leave Ferrari after 2020, who will step into the German's seat for 2021 and beyond?
By F1 correspondent Michael Butterworth
BEIJING, May 13 (Xinhua) -- Formula 1's annual silly season went into overdrive with Tuesday's announcement that four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel would leave Ferrari at the end of 2020 after six years with the Scuderia. The German's impending departure opens up a rare vacancy at one of the sport's top teams, and there will be no shortage of drivers eager to slide into what will likely be a race-winning car. Xinhua takes a look at a few of the leading contenders to partner Charles Leclerc at Ferrari in 2021.
Renault's Daniel Ricciardo is all smiles during the pre-race press conference ahead of the 2019 F1 Singapore Grand Prix. The Australian is considered a leading contender to replace Vettel at Ferrari in 2021. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)
- Daniel Ricciardo
Ricciardo was widely thought to be heading to Ferrari for 2019 when the Scuderia decided to put their faith in Leclerc, and the Australian instead opted for a surprise move from Red Bull to Renault. But though his switch to the Regie has been financially rewarding, results have proved difficult to come by, and Ricciardo would surely jump at the chance to join Ferrari. A proven race-winner with over eight seasons of F1 under his belt, the Australian has both the speed and experience to fit the bill, and his Italian ancestry only adds to the allure of driving for the Maranello squad. But with Leclerc fresh from inking a new five-year contract and seemingly established as Ferrari's number one driver, would an ambitious Ricciardo settle for a supporting role? And would Ferrari risk upsetting the balance of the team by hiring a driver with title-winning aspirations of his own?
McLaren's Carlos Sainzrecorded his best-ever F1 result at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix on November 17, finishing a fine third at Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit. (Xinhua/Xin Yuewei)
- Carlos Sainz
After moving from Renault to McLaren, Sainz was a revelation in 2019 in his first role as undisputed team leader, and a maiden podium finish in Brazil was richly deserved. A graduate of Red Bull's young driver program, Sainz can consider himself unlucky to have been passed over for a drive at the drinks-backed outfit, especially given Pierre Gasly's subsequent failure to impress in that seat. Always a quick driver, Sainz has done enough in his five years in F1 to show that he has outgrown the midfield and is ready for a drive at a top team. The 25-year-old would also likely prove a cheaper and more pliant partner to Leclerc than Ricciardo might, and rumors suggest that the Spaniard is the early favorite for the Ferrari drive.
Italy's Antonio Giovinazzi (L) celebrates after taking victory in his class at the 2012 Indonesia Kart Prix at the Sentul International Gokart Circuit.(Xinhua/Veri Sanovri)
- Antonio Giovinazzi
Considering the caliber and achievement of other candidates, the relatively unheralded Giovinazzi might appear an unlikely aspirant to fill the second Ferrari seat. But after a difficult start to his first full season in F1, the affable Italian showed notable improvement in the latter half of 2019 and was rewarded with another 12 months at Alfa Romeo. The Hinwil squad's close ties with Ferrari and Giovinazzi's own status as a former Ferrari junior driver also count in his favor, with the 26-year-old's simulator work being highly valued by Maranello. However, though Giovinazzi would be a cheap and willing number two to Leclerc, he still has much to do to prove that he is worthy of a race seat at Ferrari. An outside bet at best.
A pensive Valtteri Bottas waits in the Mercedes pits during second practise for the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix. Two days later, the Finn would take fifth place in the race. (Xinhua/Then Chih Wey)
- Valtteri Bottas
Another proven race-winner, Bottas's time at Mercedes has been constantly under scrutiny, with a series of one-year contracts being renewed. On his day, the Finn is capable of blistering speed and has beaten teammate Lewis Hamilton on occasion, but he appears incapable of maintaining the consistency necessary to mount a title challenge of his own. Nonetheless, Bottas has proved a capable number two and is well regarded within Mercedes for his unassuming and easy-going approach. The Silver Arrows have George Russell waiting in the wings, however, and if a seat at Ferrari is available then Bottas might elect to jump ship. The Finn's first-hand knowledge of the multiple title-winning Mercedes team would also make him an attractive proposition to a Ferrari squad eager to bring a 12-year championship drought to a close.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning the 2019 Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit. The Briton was crowned that year's world champion with 413 points, and is now just one title shy of Michael Schumacher's record of seven. (Xinhua/Ding Ting)
- Lewis Hamilton
Exciting though it would be, this appears wildly unlikely. Six-time world champion Hamilton has enjoyed almost unbroken success since moving to Mercedes in 2013, and his association with the German firm stretches back to his F1 debut in 2007, when Mercedes supplied engines to his McLaren team. Hamilton's superstar status would no doubt upset the apple cart at a Ferrari side seeking to build around Leclerc, and his wage demands may prove prohibitively expensive in these straitened times. The Briton claimed last month that he has no intention of leaving the Mercedes team with whom he has enjoyed so much success. But if Hamilton wins yet another title in 2020, might the lure of a new challenge at Ferrari be too great to resist?
