Marchionne: 'Vettel can stay as long as he likes'

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Ferrari CEO Sergio Marchionne says that Sebastian Vettel is welcome to stay with the Scuderia for as long as he wishes.

The four-time world champion is currently leading the title fight from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton following a salutary resurgence in Formula 1 of the House of Maranello.

Vettel, whose contract with Ferrari expires at the end of this year, remains uncommitted however to his future for 2018.

"If he is happy in the car, and he likes the car, he can stay as long as he likes," Marchionne told Italian media.

Vettel expects Mercedes to bounce back on Saturday

Marchionne believes that Ferrari has delivered on its promise to supply a race-winning car capable of defeating the invincible Silver Arrows squad.

It is now Vettel's decision to remain in red camp, or move on.

"The talks we had last year were very nervous because the car was not there," said the 64-year-old Fiat Chrysler CEO.

"So we try to get him the car as he wants and then the choice is his.

"We dreamed of being at the head of the championship and we're there," concluded the Italian-Canadian.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.