The dust has finally settled at Formula 1 and here is what we know from about the placement of Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo, and Carlos Sainz.
Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel will leave Ferrari at the end of this year. The four-time world champion could not reach an agreement with Ferrari. He has opted not to sign a new contract.
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, said the decision was mutual and was “not easy to reach, given Sebastian’s worth as a driver and as a person”.
Vettel stated that it was not finances that saw the contract agreements fall through. More so that the German has re-evaluated his priorities recently.
“What’s been happening in these past few months has led many of us to reflect on what are our real priorities in life. One needs to use one’s imagination and to adopt a new approach to a situation that has changed. I myself will take the time I need to reflect on what really matters when it comes to my future.”
He added, “The time had come to go our separate ways in order to reach our respective objectives.”
Vettel has not confirmed what his next move will be. However, the German has been in F1 for 13 years so this may be his last showing.
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Daniel Ricciardo
The 30-year-old Australian will be a McLaren driver in 2021. Ricciardo was a seven-time winner with Red Bull between 2014 and 2018. Similarly, he will look to imitate this success at McLaren.
Renault Team Principal Cyril Abiteboul, said in a short statement that talks with Ricciardo “have not been successful.”
I am so grateful for my time with @renaultf1team and the way I was accepted into the team. But we aren’t done and I can’t wait to get back on the grid this year. My next chapter isn’t here yet, so let’s finish this one strong. Merci pic.twitter.com/YFfzbwrgD7
— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) May 14, 2020
Ricciardo looks set to help pull McLaren over the line as they moved up to fourth in the championship. Therefore, McLaren now has two excellent drivers in Ricciardo and Lando Norris.
“Daniel is another step in our long-term plan and will bring an exciting new dimension,” said McLaren Racing chief executive officer Zak Brown.
Team principal Andreas Seidl said, “Daniel is a proven race-winner, and his experience, commitment and energy will be a valuable addition to McLaren and our mission to return to the front of the field. With Daniel and Lando as team-mates, I believe we have two racers who will continue to excite our fans and help the team grow.”
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Carlos Sainz
To Ferrari again, the Italian team have confirmed Carlos Sainz as Charles Leclerc’s new teammate from 2021 onwards.
Sainz will join Ferrari on a two-year deal and is eager to join the group. However, he is still under contract with McLaren for the remainder of the 2020 season.
“I am very happy that I will be driving for Scuderia Ferrari in 2021 and I’m excited about my future with the team,” said Sainz.
Team principal Mattia Binotto has noted that his two young talents could be the bedrock for future success for Ferrari.
“We’ve embarked on a new cycle with the aim of getting back to the top in Formula 1. It will be a long journey, not without its difficulties, especially given the current financial and regulatory situation, which is undergoing a sudden change and will require this challenge to be tackled in a different way to the recent past.”
Furthermore, Sainz will look to build on his previous success with McLaren, notably obtaining a podium position in Brazil where he secured third place.
