Formula 1: Sebastian Vettel returning to Ferrari in 2021?

Amid speculation that he may be forced out from the team following the 2020 Formula 1 season, Ferrari have backed Sebastian Vettel to return in 2021.

A recent decline by four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel that has included several unforced errors, including enough in 2017 and 2018 that, based on the points situations, cost him two more world titles, and a few notable run-ins with teammates has left his Ferrari seat as arguably the hottest seat on the grid heading into the 2020 season.

Vettel, who joined Ferrari ahead of the 2015 season, extended his three-year contract by another three years back in August of 2017, keeping him signed by the Scuderia through at least the 2020 season.

But there has been a lot of mounting speculation about the 2021 driver lineup, and Vettel’s seat has quickly become the subject of the most discussion, with several possible replacement candidates having already entered the spotlight.

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Adding to this speculation was the fact that Ferrari committed to Charles Leclerc as a long-term option, signing him through the 2024 season after just his first year with the team in 2019, a year that saw him beat Vettel in points, wins, podium finishes, pole positions, laps led and average finish.

But for Ferrari, their next goal is simple: retain Vettel. This would naturally entail Vettel having a solid 2020 season, which would be good not only for himself but for the team as a whole, and they need it after a tumultuous 2020 campaign.

As of right now, Vettel is the guy Ferrari want as Leclerc’s teammate in 2021. At 32 years old, it’s not like he is old and slow and on the brink of retirement. He really just needs to get his mind right and focus on going about his business without worrying about the pressure, much of which he has placed on himself.

Here is what team principal Mattia Binotto had to say about the matter a few weeks ago, according to Sky Sports.

"“Sebastian is our first choice at the moment. It is something we are discussing with him and we will continue to discuss. He is certainly our first option, and our preference. I think that Seb will be very fast this season. He knows what he needs to do and he prepared himself over the winter time to be ready for the start of the season. He’s very focused and concentrated, and hopefully he’ll still be our driver in the future.”"

He added the following last week, according to Motorsport.

"“I already mentioned it: Seb is our first option. think as I always mentioned, that’s a great line-up, probably the best we have in F1, of which I’m very happy and very proud to have as Ferrari. We are really starting an early discussion with Seb. We all are aware the contract is finishing, but it will come very soon to close the discussion and see what’s in the best interest of both of us.“I think what’s more a matter is the project which we are sharing, even our longer term view, so we will come very soon I am sure to an agreement.”"

Here is what Vettel had to say about his potential future with Ferrari a few weeks ago.

"“I would like to [stay], yes. The priority right now is on 2020 and then we see. I have been in the position already before with Ferrari, and it’s only February. Last time we confirmed the contract for the future it was August, so I don’t think it changes much. The intentions are clear and I’m sure we’ll sort it out. … I feel good, I feel confident. There are things I can do better and I am sure I will do better this year.”"

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Will Sebastian Vettel end up back behind the wheel of one of the red cars at Ferrari again in the 2021 Formula 1 season after all, even amid mounting speculation that he will not return? If he is retained, would he be retained on a one-year deal or a multi-year extension?

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