With Carlos Sainz set to be announced by Ferrari as early as tomorrow, speculation is now turning to who will take his seat at McLaren in 2021.
The Spaniard has emerged as the favourite to replace Sebastian Vettel with reports suggesting a deal is already done with the Italian team and only small details stand in the way of official confirmation.
Interestingly, the signing of Sainz would tie in with rumours that have been rumbling for a while claiming Vettel could join McLaren if he did leave Ferrari.
The two reasons for that is the new Mercedes engine partnership starting next year and the German’s past relationship with current team boss Andreas Seidl.
“Seidl knows Vettel well, they knew each other back in the days of BMW Sauber,” a report by TheJudge13 read, also stating McLaren is keen to sign the four-time world champion.
“If Sebastian owes it to someone, he will certainly think of Andreas and that would be a fantastic PR opportunity for McLaren-Mercedes.”
However, the most likely option to take Sainz’s seat is believed to be Daniel Ricciardo, the man Carlos beat to secure the Ferrari drive.
The Australian has previously spoken with McLaren in 2018 but was put off by their poor performance in the second half of that year,
Last season, however, the British outfit rebounded to claim fourth in the Constructors’ Championship and, after a disappointing first season at Renault, may well see more potential at Woking.
Indeed, according to Italian reporter Leo Turrini, Ricciardo too may have already secured his 2021 seat with just an official announcement pending.
If so, that may leave Vettel with only two options, Renault or retirement.
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