If Sebastian Vettel started the season as the undisputed first name of Ferrari, after the Monza race, we can almost certainly say that the power relations in Maranell are changing. Charles Leclerc steps forward with great strides, while Sebastian Vettel faces a challenging test.
In Spa and Monza, Leclerc managed to get Ferrari back on top again, but on the other hand, Vettel afforded another serious mistake at the least opportune moment. While Monza was celebrating her new hero, the four-time world champion drove into the garage without a single point.
Monday in Italy is expected to bring praise for Leclerc and media drive for Vettl. There were immediate rumors that Vettel could be left without a seat in a red car next year.
Let's look at some facts and assumptions about Vettel's future at Ferrari:
FACT: VETTEL HAS FOR THE SEASON 2020 VALID CONTRACT
The fact is that Sebastian Vettel has a valid contract with Ferrari for the season 2020. Even if Maranell were considering the possibility of early termination of the contract, Scuderie's leadership would almost certainly be deterred by Germany's astronomical salary, far exceeding 03 million dollars a season. Although Ferrari has already put Kimmy Raikkonen in front of the door in a similar way 2020, this kind of unraveling is unlikely.
FACT: REPLACEMENT RIGHTS FOR THE SEASON 2020 NO
All racers who could possibly take up his seat with Sebastian Vettl's early departure have a contract signed for next year. According to current practice, it is highly unlikely that Ferrari would offer the opportunity to another young racer, and all Formula One major names are already occupied. Ricciardo, Hamilton, Verstappen and Bottas have valid contracts with their teams, and names like Hulkenberg, Grosjean or Magnussen are much less interesting for a team like Ferrari.
FACT: IN THE SEASON 2021 IT CAN HAPPEN EVERYTHING
While Vettel's seat in the offseason 2020 is probably safe, we certainly can't say that for the year 2021 when a Formula One transfer deadline might provide the right fireworks. Hamilton, Vettel, Verstappen will be released, and Fernando Alonso will be haunted by the return to the fastest circus. The cards will be shuffled and everyone will want to be in the right place. Vettel will have to justify his high salary next season and show why he is a four-time Formula One World Champion. Otherwise, the season 2020 will probably be his last behind the wheel of a hobby.
Matej Plesey
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