Another day, another crazy 2021 silly season rumour this time suggesting Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo are interested in joining McLaren.
This comes courtesy of Spain’s Marca newspaper who claim the four-time world champion, who is out of contract at Ferrari after next year, could be tempted by their new partnership with Mercedes.
The report notes Vettel previously worked with current McLaren boss Andreas Seidl when the pair were at BMW Sauber in 2006, stating the pair have stayed in touch since.
Certainly, in a week that’s seen all kind of bizarre moves being suggested, he thought of Seb in papaya is ‘out there’, particularly when most expect retirement to be the 32-year-old’s next career step.
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Another name Marca has thrown into the ring is Ricciardo, with his future at Renault also looking doubtful.
The Australian joined on a lavish two-year deal starting this year but progress has been disappointing with the works team beaten by their customer McLaren in the Constructors’ standings.
Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle recently suggested Fernando Alonso might turn to his former employer for a return in 2021, while Renault chief Cyril Abiteboul is also keen to promote an academy driver onto the F1 grid.
A Ricciardo-McLaren tie-up also isn’t as barmy as it might sound with the former Red Bull driver meeting with the Woking-based squad during 2018 and even claiming he liked the atmosphere there but was more attracted by Renault’s potential.
Of course, for either of these rumours to become reality Lando Norris and/or Carlos Sainz would have to depart their seat and in the case of the latter, the Spaniard has already indicated his wish to stay at McLaren beyond 2020.
Still, with the winter to fill until track action resumes, these far-fetched rumours at least give us something to talk about!
