Sebastian Vettel has reportedly been offered opportunities at the two teams where his Ferrari replacement could come from next year.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed the four-time world champion and the Italian team had mutually agreed not to extend his contract beyond the end of 2020.
That will undoubtedly send speculation rocketing about who will step into his seat from 2021, with Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo and McLaren’s Carlos Sainz the two names most often mentioned.
And according to Italian journalist Leo Turrini, whoever Ferrari choose, Vettel could well go in the other direction.
“I know that Vettel has some contract offers from Renault and McLaren, but I don’t know how much he is interested in them,” he wrote. “We will have to see what Seb will answer.”
In his comments confirming his Ferrari exit after five years, the 32-year-old said he will take time to “reflect” on his future.
But if a swap deal is what happens that could make Sainz the favourite to replace Vettel, giving the German’s previous association with team boss Andreas Seidl.
And the Spaniard was recently recommended to the post by Sky Sports pundit Karun Chandhok.
“I think there’s a difference with Ricciardo and Sainz,” he explained. “Danny Ric’s had his opportunity with a top team whereas Carlos hasn’t yet.
“I’d love to see Carlos have that opportunity. I think he’s been stellar at McLaren, he’s come alive and he’s turned a corner.”
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