With no Grands Prix ongoing, the main Formula 1 topics of discussion has centred on the futures of big-name drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Daniel Ricciardo.
The contracts of all three will expire at the end of 2020, and their decisions on which team to sign for will have a major impact on the entire sport.
Hamilton and Ricciardo, who have been heavily linked with a move to Ferrari, have recently spoken out about their potential landing spots for next season. Meanwhile, speculation continues to surround Sebastian Vettel’s future with Scuderia.
Lewis Hamilton shoots down Ferrari rumours
For the past few months, Lewis Hamilton-to-Ferrari rumours have continued to emerge as the Brit’s contract with Mercedes winds down.
The British newspaper The Sun added to that speculation with an article last Friday which suggested that Hamilton’s ‘dreams of a mega-money Ferrari move’ had been hampered by Sebastian Vettel potentially staying with the team.
But Hamilton may have finally put those rumours to bed once and for all with his response to the article. Hamilton wrote on his Instagram, “First off, there is no dream of a dash to another team. I am with my dream team.
“Second, theres [sic] not a thing in my way as I’m not trying to move. I’m with the people who have cared from day 1. We are the best team! @mercedesamgf1.”
Hamilton has spent the last eight years with Mercedes, where he has won five of his six career world championships. The Formula 1 2020 betting odds had him as the overwhelming favourite to add another title this season, in part due to Mercedes being so ahead of its competition.
There’s a possibility that Mercedes’ advantage will be limited by the looming rule changes, which will take effect in 2022. But if Hamilton’s social media statements are to be believed, he will most likely still be with the team by that time.
Daniel Ricciardo not ruling out Red Bull return
Besides Hamilton, the driver most persistently linked with a move to Scuderia as a potential Vettel replacement has been Daniel Ricciardo. However, the Renault driver did not close the door on the possibility of signing for another team: Red Bull.
“I actually haven’t really been asked that one,” Ricciardo said. “Would I rule out going back to Red Bull? I guess, to answer it: you know, no.”
Ricciardo left Red Bull for Renault in 2019 after five successful seasons with the team. He finished third in the drivers’ standings twice and won seven races. However, he disappointed in his debut season with Renault as he finished ninth in the drivers’ standings.
Red Bull currently have Max Verstappen and Alexander Albon as their two drivers. And with Verstappen’s rise as a legitimate championship contender last season, Ricciardo would likely be relegated to No. 2 status if he does return to the team.
If Vettel does stay on with Ferrari, Ricciardo will need to consider other options. Red Bull are a top team with a car that could help him become a contender once again. But the question is whether Red Bull would be ready to take their old driver back.
Sebastian Vettel spurns Ferrari contract offer
The Sebastian Vettel rumour mill has been spinning at full speed, with several Formula 1 2020 updates about his future with Ferrari coming over the past few weeks.
A report last month claimed Ferrari had offered Vettel a new contract, but for only one year for significantly less money.
Vettel then made comments about ongoing contract talks, saying there was a “high chance” of a decision being made before the first race of the season.
However, a new report reveals Vettel has rejected Ferrari’s one-year deal. And now, former world champion Fernando Alonso has been linked as with a possible return to Ferrari to replace Vettel.
Given Vettel’s underwhelming performance last year — he finished fifth in the drivers’ championship — it’s understandable if Ferrari have some reservations about offering him a long-term deal. And as a four-time world champion, it’s equally realistic to see Vettel insulted by Ferrari’s offer.
But Ferrari appear willing to keep Vettel at the right price, and there’s still time for the two sides to reach an agreement before the start of the season.
But if Vettel and Ferrari do decide to part ways, the driver market figures to become even more interesting for SBOBET Formula 1 fans to follow.
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