The current corona-crisis has created a unique situation where the Formula 1 driver market has become active before the start of the new season. The announcement that Vettel will leave Ferrari next year was followed by a driver-merry go-round, with Carlos Sainz joining Leclerc in 2021, whereas Ricciardo will move McLaren.

Renault is one of the teams that could be of interest to the German. Nevertheless, Renaults does not seem to be the best option for the four-time Formula 1 world champion. Indeed, Renault has struggled for a long time, and Mercedes appears as a more compelling alternative to Vettel. The Silver Arrows have dominated the Formula 1 scenario since 2014, and given that both Lewis Hamilton and Valterri Bottas’ contracts are out of contract at the end of the year ( even though the Brit is likely to accept a new deal), Vettel might move to the Barkley’s team.

Besides, rumors report that Vettel could leave Formula 1 at the end of this season. After announcing his departure from Ferrari, the German mentioned the possibility to reconsider his priorities in life. With a family and three children, Vettel might decide to say goodbye to Formula 1.

While Vettel is one of the options to replace Ricciardo in 2021, Renault and Alonso have recently posted tweets suggesting that Fernando might join the Enstone team. Alonso won two titles with Renault in 2005-2006, before returning in 2008-2009, and he is a big name that matches Renault’s ambitions to compete for the championship. However, the question is whether Renault is willing to write a big check in these times of austerity, or if Alonso can accept a wage reduction to compete again in Formula 1. Moreover, Alonso’s age of 39, may count against him, if Renault decides to pursue a long-term plan with its drivers.

https://www.motorlat.com/notas/f1/15466/why-ferrari-picked-sainz-over-ricciardo