Formula 1: 5 possible Ferrari drivers for 2021

Sebastian Vettel

Let’s not forget three important details about Sebastian Vettel.

One, he is a four-time world champion. Only three drivers have won more world championships than he has.

Two, he is a 53-time race winner. Only two drivers have won more races than he has.

And three, Ferrari have already said that their best-case scenario is bringing him back for the 2021 season.

Everyone recognizes the fact that Vettel is still capable of competing on a high level. He wouldn’t have accomplished what he has accomplished if he wasn’t.

However, everyone also recognizes that his 2019 season did him no favors as far as keeping him off of the hot seat, especially after how he performed late in the 2017 season and throughout the 2018 season leading up to his disastrous 2019.

Unless he can start the 2020 season (whenever it ends up starting) hot and establish himself as Ferrari’s clear number one driver, he will need to settle into somewhat of a number two driver role behind Charles Leclerc, who the team committed to as a long-term option by extending his deal through 2024.

He could still turn out to be the team’s top driver, but after Leclerc beat him in wins, podium finishes, pole positions, laps led, average finish and points in his first season driving for the Scuderia, that isn’t highly likely.

If he can accept a number two driver role while avoiding the unforced errors that have plagued him in recent years, Ferrari would have no reason not to re-sign him. If there is any more drama, however, Ferrari may be forced to cut ties with him after six years.