Vettel keeping tabs on McLaren for 2021 opportunity!

Sebastian Vettel has allegedly touched base with McLaren regarding a seat with the Woking-based outfit in 2021 according to reports from Spanish media.

Formula 1's silly season appears to start earlier with each passing year, with Spain's Marca jumping on the rumor bandwagon this week, contending that Vettel has supposedly been in contact with McLaren F1 boss Andreas Seidl about a seat with the papaya squad in the future.

The underlying - flimsy - logic behind the gossip is the fact that Vettel and Seidl know each other well, with their relationship going back to 2006, when the former tested for BMW Sauber as a young apprentice while the latter was working at Hinwil.

Horner not expecting huge moves in driver market for 2021

The pair have apparently remained in contact since, and the prospect of joining a team on the rise that will be powered by Mercedes from 2021 could be enticing to Vettel.

Needless to say, in the event of Vettel's unlikely arrival at Woking, it would entail the departure of either Carlos Sainz or Lando Norris, or another far-fetched scenario.

But wait, there's more! Marca has also heard through its grapevine that Daniel Ricciardo - unsure of Renault's future in F1 - might have also put in a call to McLaren!

While everyone and their dog speculates about Vettel's future, perhaps the most reasonable prediction regarding the Ferrari driver comes from his close friend, former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclstone.

"Recently, I have not seen his willingness to do anything to win," the 89-year-old told Auto Bild.

"I would not bet on Vettel staying beyond 2020. But he’ll make the right decision."

And so will McLaren...

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.