Mercedes: Vettel option 'on the table' for 2021

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Mercedes boss Toto Wolff says the option of recruiting Sebastian Vettel for 2021 is "on the table", admitting the German driver would constitute a good marketing opportunity for the team.

Vettel's exit from Ferrari at the end of the season could mark the end of the road in Formula 1 for the four-time world champion whose options appear limited.

Renault will be seeking a replacement for Daniel Ricciardo but few are those who believe Vettel would be enticed by an offer to race for a team with little chance of winning in 2021.

Mercedes has yet to offer new contracts to Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, so the Silver Arrows outfit could theoretically pounce on Vettel.

Wolff 'very proud' at prospect of season starting in Austria

While Wolff isn't dismissing such a scenario, the Austrian certainly isn't giving it priority status.

"Of course, a German driver in a German car is a good marketing story," Wolff told Austrian broadcaster ORF.

"At Mercedes, however, we are purely focused on success, but Sebastian is of course someone who is really good.

"That’s why we’re asking ourselves what we’re going to do with George Russell, and the Vettel option is of course also on the table.

"But that’s not first on the agenda at the moment, because we want to concentrate on our current drivers first."

Last week's whirlwind of changes in F1 for 2021 have taken place before the first race of the delayed season has gotten underway, and that could lead to an uncomfortable situation for certain teams according to Wolff.

"We’re certainly not putting ourselves in that position," he said. "It’s a bit difficult to manage when you’re driving one year with a driver who will be in a rival team next year.

"What do you do about innovation and knowledge when you know that a driver can use that against you next year?

"That’s why all the teams that have announced this hastily are in a difficult situation that we don’t want to get into."

Contrary to McLaren boss Zak Brown, Wolff isn't convinced that Vettel will call it a day on his career in F1.

"Sebastian is pulling all the strings. He can decide for himself whether he wants to quit or join another team," Wolff said.

"There are still some interesting places to go."

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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.