Here we go again… Fernando Alonso is apparently poised to put himself forward as a candidate to replace Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari for 2021.
Earlier this week, a report in Italy claimed the four-time world champion had refused a first contract offer from the Scuderia, which gave him one additional year at 12m Euros, a 70 percent drop on his current salary.
Vettel’s decision to turn down means Ferrari may have to start considering alternatives should he decide not to renew at all, with Daniel Ricciardo, Carlos Sainz and Antonio Giovinazzi the three names put forward.
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However, German outlet F1-Insider.com says, according to their “information”, Alonso would also be interested in a return to the Italian team, where he raced between 2010-2014.
That wouldn’t be unsurprising, given the Spaniard was already considering a comeback next year after leaving McLaren at the end of 2018.
And with Ferrari being one of the top three teams, Alonso would almost be guaranteed the chance to challenge for podiums, wins and possibly a third Formula 1 title.
However, the likelihood of it happening is frankly zero given the team has already ruled out considering the 38-year-old.
Instead, the focus would be on finding a driver who can work well alongside Ferrari’s young prodigy Charles Leclerc by keeping the Monegasque on his toes.
And that is where the likes of Ricciardo and Sainz would come in, who certainly have enough talent to win and maybe even become champion in their own right, but don’t have the baggage that Alonso carries.
Another option is of course simply reaching a compromise with Vettel, who said last week he saw a “high chance” of a new deal being agreed in coming months.