Formula 1 is at a standstill – but behind the scenes at Ferrari, contract poker is currently underway. First, team boss Mattia Binotto put Vettel in the official interview with the Formula 1 website under pressure (“He has to deliver.”). Now information about Ferrari’s contract offer has been leaked.
Deliberately or not? “Sky” reports in any case that the Scuderia wants to extend Vettel’s expiring contract at the end of the year – but on its own terms. And Vettel shouldn’t like those.
While his teammate Charles Leclerc was equipped with a hefty salary increase and a contract until 2024 just before Christmas, the four-time world champion is to receive a one-year contract only. At significantly lower wages.
Vettel currently earns an estimated 35 million euros per year. Ferrari no longer wants to afford that.
Vettel is definitely not about money in this phase of his career. His big dream is the world title in red – like his great idol Michael Schumacher has done five times. The question remains: Does Vettel really have to accept such an offer? The problem: it comes close to a degradation. Ferrari makes it clear that the German is only tolerated. The new star is Leclerc.
Vettel has to make a decision now. Close his eyes and go through – and show the world that he is better than his current reputation. Or show Ferrari the cold shoulder and look for a new home. Actually, in recent years the Italians have been convincing neither with the best car nor with understandable strategies.
Vettel’s friend Bernie Ecclestone to F1-Insider.com: “I think that Sebastian’s performance has recently suffered under the Ferrari constellation with his new teammate Charles Leclerc, who is also managed by the son of the FIA president. I suspect that Seb does not see Binotto (team principal) as the supporter he needs in his situation. Sebastian should therefore stop or look for alternatives for 2021. McLaren, then again with Mercedes engines, could be one of those.”
