Ex-Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo has recommended the Italian team re-sign Sebastian Vettel for 2021.
The four-time world champion is out of contract at the end of this year and there’s been mixed reporting on his future, with Vettel understood to have refused an initial extension offer as he seeks a multi-year deal.
One reason why Ferrari may be reluctant to do so though is the German’s performance after a disappointing 2019.
However, Di Montezemolo says he would keep Vettel if he was in charge, claiming he is still up to the task.
“Yes, because Seb is still very fast,” he told Italian journalist Leo Turrini. “He has a lot of experience and I don’t think he’s in a crisis mode in terms of motivation.
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“His presence would also still be useful for [Charles] Leclerc, who is very gifted but still has to confirm his position at the top after a great season.
“There will be a lot more pressure on him [Leclerc].”
Sky Sports’ Karun Chandhok is also tipping Vettel to stay on for one more year but after that…
“For 2022 I’m less sure though,” he added. “Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz will be banging on the door because regardless of the rule changes Ferrari will remain a top team.”
In the immediate term, Ferrari and F1 are working out how to get back on track following the coronavirus pandemic.
A revised calendar is expected to be confirmed soon with a reduced number of races that initially planned.
However, Di Montezemolo has played down any impact a shorter season would have.
“Whoever wins would still be a worthy champion,” he claimed. “It would be a season destined to go down in history, precisely because of its uniqueness.
“I hope we can get the engines going again, but it’s the same situation as our (Italian football league) Serie A.
“It can only go ahead with safety guaranteed and behind closed doors.
“That will be the spectacle of the sport for a long time, I’m afraid.”