Vettel and Ferrari to split at the end of 2020!

©Ferrari

Sebastian Vettel is set to leave Ferrari at the end of 2020 after contract talks between the two parties came to a halt, according to German media.

Vettel is in the final year of his three-year contract with the Scuderia and there have been rumors over the four-time world champion's fate for weeks.

Italy's Gazzetta dello Sport recently claimed that Vettel was offered a one-year extension and a significant pay cut by the House of Maranello, a proposal apparently frowned upon by the German.

As a reminder, Ferrari locked in earlier this year the services of Charles Leclerc until 2024.

Vettel allegedly receives offers from McLaren and Renault

German media, including the very reliable Auto Motor und Sport, is reporting that Ferrari and Vettel have failed to reach an agreement for 2021 and that a confirmation of the split could come as early as Tuesday morning.

As a four-time world champion, Vettel moved to Ferrari from Red Bull in 2015, winning 14 races with the Scuderia but failing to conquer a world title that has eluded the Italian outfit since 2007, or 2008 in the case of the Constructors' championship.

Leclerc's rise to prominence, in addition to adding pressure on Vettel, has clearly positioned the Monegasque as Ferrari's future and eroded the German's status.

Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo are best placed to replace the 32-year-old at Ferrari, but confirmation of Vettel's departure from the Italian team will inevitably revive speculation about a sensational move to the Scuderia by Lewis Hamilton, although the Brit has given every indication that he will remain with Mercedes in the future.

As for Vettel, despite rumors of offers being sent his way by McLaren and Renault, an outright retreat from the sport through the back door is seen as the most likely scenario.

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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.