F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Ferrari names Vettel over Hamilton as 'first choice' for 2021

Scuderia Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto says Sebastian Vettel is the team's "first choice" to fill the seat alongside Charles Leclerc for 2021.

Vettel's current contract with Ferrari expires at the end of the year, and comments from chief executive Louis Camilleri last year fueled speculation that the Scuderia could make a move for six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton whose deal with Mercedes also runs out at the end of 2020.

During Tuesday's unveiling of Ferrari's new car, Binotto was asked once again about his interest in rolling out the red carpet for Hamilton.

"I want to reply on a different way," Binotto said. "I think Seb is our first choice at the moment, and obviously it's something we are discussing with him and we will continue discussing, but he's certainly our first option, our preference at the moment."

Pressed on whether Hamilton could become a realistic option for the Scuderia if Vettel under-performs, Binotto said that Ferrari "was not considering that at the moment, we are focused only on our drivers."

©Ferrari

While many foresee Vettel walking away from the sport at the end of 2020 if Leclerc outshines the German, the four-time world champion and F1 veteran isn't entertaining the thought of retirement.

"For sure, I feel young enough to continue," said the 32-year-old Vettel.

"You spoke about Lewis – he is even older than me, so age is not a limitation and I am happy to keep going.

"I am not stressed but certainly ambitious to prove (Ferrari’s faith) to myself. Three years ago, I didn’t have a contract until August, so strictly speaking I was out of business half a year before the season finished.

"At some point you have to determine what is going on in the future, but we will have enough time to do so.

"I feel good, I feel confident. There are things I can do better and I am sure I will do better this year."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

8 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

9 hours ago

Leclerc hails a season ‘without missed opportunities' in 2024

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…

11 hours ago

Coulthard sounds alarm over FIA president’s rift with F1 drivers

Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…

12 hours ago

The rapid rise and fall of Super Aguri in F1

Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…

14 hours ago

Ferrari's 2024 Season: Marked improvement and a fight to the finish

Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…

15 hours ago