Wolff: Mercedes must take Vettel news 'into consideration'

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the Silver Arrows outfit is committed to keeping its driver line-up intact for 2021 but must also take into consideration Sebastian Vettel's availability.

Vettel's departure from Ferrari at the end of the season has led to a whirlwind of speculation about who might fill the German driver's seat at the Scuderia but also about Vettel's future.

Both Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas have yet to agree terms with Mercedes for 2021 and beyond, and both drivers could theoretically be of interest to Ferrari.

Vettel: Financial matters played no part in joint decision

Wolff reiterated his stance on his team's line-up, insisting stability remains Mercedes' priority. But the Austrian also said the Vettel's exit from Ferrari is not an insignificant event for the Brackley squad.

"Sebastian is a great driver, a major personality and an asset to any Formula 1 team," Wolff said.

"When looking to the future, our first loyalty lies with the current Mercedes drivers.

"But naturally we must take this development into consideration."

While Vettel moving to Mercedes is a dim prospect, unless Hamilton should succumb to an enticing, offer from Ferrari, the four-time world champion's sudden availability could provide the German team with leverage during its contract talks with the Briton and Bottas.

Save for a sudden change of heart, Hamilton's future with Mercedes appears as almost set in stone, but Bottas' 2021 plans of remaining at Brackley could be blown apart by Mercedes junior and Williams driver George Russell whose target is to secure a plum seat with the championship-winning outfit;

However, just as F1 has delayed next season's regulation overhaul following the onslaught of the coronavirus crisis, this year's disrupted campaign, which remains at risk of being cancelled altogether, might well force a status quo on Mercedes and its drivers.

As for Vettel, a final drive into the sunset and into a plush retirement seems like the most likely prospect for the 32-year-old.

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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.