Seb to retire - Ricciardo to Ferrari?

[Greig]

Seen a few media outlets that claim to have leaked emails from Ferrari that Seb is looking to retire as wants more family time...and Ricciardo is top of the list to replace...

Thoughts?

[Rishu]

Let's hope so. If not Max then Danny is a good option

[Arcana]

I wouldn't be surprised if it happens and honestly I would like it to happen. Seb's form has faded away and he knows he'll never get another chance at WDC with Ferrari as long as Charles is around(and he will be for quite some time) while Ricciardo is a great driver that almost matched Max at Redbull and he's just wasted in that Renault.

[VaiSeb]

I'd be very sad if he retired.

[nani_s23]

Honestly speaking, Alonso joined Ferrari & he had the same goal of winning championship with Ferrari. He almost did it not with a strong car though.
With the same passion, Vettel joined Ferrari as a replacement to Alonso. Still Ferrari haven't produced any championship winning car in these Alonso-Vettel Era.
At least 2018 was a strong car, but not consistent enough to challenge mercs faded away in the 2nd half. Vettel as a driver too made mistakes combined with stupid strategies from Pit wall.

Vettel as a qualifier he's top notch. As a racer on wheel to wheel action, I think he's not smart enough. This is where he's vulnerable. Apart from that he's a team player, dedicated true sportsman. I hope he wins the championship with Ferrari & retire.

Pressure to perform even more is high on Vettel as Lec is challenging him at some instances. As I said at few occasions if strong car is given for both the drivers, WCC is for sure & WDC is up for the toss.

If vettel 4wdc is not worthy then I would rate Ham's 4wdc with mercs & current wdc not worthy too.

We don't need Mad max in Ferrari, as we have Charles Leclerc. Max too is vulnerable in wheel - wheel actions. If he pulls it off then it's stunning, else he pushes other driver or make contact with him.


DR is good at Race craft, not a great performer in quali. but still I would like to see him in Ferrari. As he's good on & off track, team player too. From the current grid if there's any replacement to Vettel then it should be DR.

All in all I don't see Vettel leaving Until 2020. Next year contract talks will begin based on performance from Vettel given if it's a strong car.

[vcs316]

Seen a few media outlets that claim to have leaked emails from Ferrari that Seb is looking to retire as wants more family time...and Ricciardo is top of the list to replace...

Thoughts?

I hope its not true but where there is smoke there is fire. We will have to wait until Monza to see if these rumours are true. If they are, we need a very strong driver to replace Seb which unfortunately Ricciardo is not. Someone like Alonso who doesn't back away from a fight and can pull out fantastic performances in a not so strong car.

Charles is still learning and will not be able to handle the lead driver mantle.

Apart from Ricciardo, there aren't many options (experienced drivers) available - Hulk, Perez, Bottas (maybe?)

[Ree]

As much as Vettel exasperates me at times, I hope it's not true. He's a highly likeable character and I'd love to see him win a title in the Ferrari.

I like DR but despite some sterling performances I'm not 100% convinced by him.... but then I thought hiring Schumacher was a bad move at the time !

Personally I'd like to see Max in the car, even though his Dad has been pretty scathing of Ferrari in the past.

[vcs316]

Ricciardo explains why he can't replace Vettel at Ferrari - https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/41908/ricciardo-explains-why-he-can-t-replace-vettel-at-ferrari/

[wisepie]

I'd rather Vettel stayed but he's done himself no favours with the tifosi these past two seasons and it's getting to him that he can't break his run of lacklustre results. I'm not 100% sure about Ricciardo either and he is stuck with Renault for next year, and I really hope we wouldn't end up with Bottas if Seb does quit.:roll

[Ferrarichamp]

so it's just speculation at this point? journalists looking for a story maybe :Hmm

[nani_s23]

I'd rather Vettel stayed but he's done himself no favours with the tifosi these past two seasons and it's getting to him that he can't break his run of lacklustre results. I'm not 100% sure about Ricciardo either and he is stuck with Renault for next year, and I really hope we wouldn't end up with Bottas if Seb does quit.:roll

Lewis made mistake this year ...!! Why it isn’t highlighted?? Becoz he’s winning ?
Max made mistake in Monaco, why it isn’t highlighted??

So any driver if driving for ferrari only should be highlighted??? Such a farce media ..!!

[Tifoso Svedese]

If Vettel retires soon, it will be at the end of 2020, why would he sacrifice his massive contract in the middle of it? Either way, I don't think he'll be offered an extension at even remotely similar terms as today, which is why he may well retire at the end of next season - paving the way for a Verstappen swoop.

[Brembo]

I hope its not true but where there is smoke there is fire. We will have to wait until Monza to see if these rumours are true. If they are, we need a very strong driver to replace Seb which unfortunately Ricciardo is not. Someone like Alonso who doesn't back away from a fight and can pull out fantastic performances in a not so strong car.

Charles is still learning and will not be able to handle the lead driver mantle.

Apart from Ricciardo, there aren't many options (experienced drivers) available - Hulk, Perez, Bottas (maybe?)

While Charles is still learning he's doing a better job than Seb ! He for the most part is already the lead driver when left to race. Your description of Alonso' driving perfectly fits the winner of the last race! Including the fact that he's in a Honda R Bull and not a top car. How much more experience than what Seb has is needed? I would rather the new boys in there early 20 s to get a shot at bringing Ferrari back to the top. Charles , Max come to mind. Your maybes aren't even close to these two. Just compare Dan with Max. And he's the best of who you mentioned, experience wise.

[paolo lalli]

2020 will be sebs last year he will give it everything and Ferrari will hit the ground running giving both there drivers all tools needed. Ricardo will be the replacement I feel he is off contract also 2020 .

[Dead Eyes]

If he leaves then we wont win any cups. He's been carrying us for 4 years and took us closer to the cup than anyone else would have done. He helped us recover after the state Alonso left the team in.

If he does leave then I wish him the best. He's a beautiful man and an inspiration to all, but I will miss him so much and so will our team.

[stefa]

Honestly, they can sign me! Joke a side. I think problem is not within the drivers, but with the team. In modern formula, it is less drivers, and more car and bloody tires that gives you wins and titles!

[Giallo 550]

If he leaves then we wont win any cups. He's been carrying us for 4 years and took us closer to the cup than anyone else would have done. He helped us recover after the state Alonso left the team in.

If he does leave then I wish him the best. He's a beautiful man and an inspiration to all, but I will miss him so much and so will our team.

You’re out of luck, because he just married Hanna.

[Giallo 550]

sadly, I don’t think it matters, because Hamilton and Mercedes will just win it all next year too. Surely, Alonso would be a better choice than Ricciardo, though.

[killer]

Seen a few media outlets that claim to have leaked emails from Ferrari that Seb is looking to retire as wants more family time...and Ricciardo is top of the list to replace...

Thoughts?

"Leak" could be prelude to a graceful exit. Dani's a good choice, given the realistic options, but I think we should at least make a play for Max.

[Ferrarichamp]

If he leaves then we wont win any cups. He's been carrying us for 4 years and took us closer to the cup than anyone else would have done. He helped us recover after the state Alonso left the team in.

If he does leave then I wish him the best. He's a beautiful man and an inspiration to all, but I will miss him so much and so will our team.

Seb leaving Ferrari without a title will be seen as a failure, same as Alonso (they said Alonso was going to break Michael's records).
Since 2000, only Michael and Kimi have been successful in bringing home titles.
Felipe didn't win wdc, but at least played a big part in winning 2008 wcc.

[TonyRizza]

Hopefully it's true, need someone who can win a championship with an equal car.

[nani_s23]

Honestly, they can sign me! Joke a side. I think problem is not within the drivers, but with the team. In modern formula, it is less drivers, and more car and bloody tires that gives you wins and titles!

:clap

[nani_s23]

Max almost I think he’s into 5th year into F1. How many wins did he carry??
Vettel won with TR in his early days .!! Wt abt max ?

[TonyRizza]

Toro rosso took a risk with a full wet setup that's why vettel won.

You can't compare toro rosso in 2008 and toro rosso when max was there lol...

[TonyRizza]

Toro rosso took a risk with a full wet setup that's why vettel won.

You can't compare toro rosso in 2008 and toro rosso when max was there lol...

[KimiBot]

Ric vs. Hulk

Quali 7-1
Race 16-16 points
DNF 3-2


let`s wait and see how it looks end of the year, great quali driver maybe, Hulk has had many issues in quali, so let`s wait

other drivers if Seb retire?

[paolo lalli]

Heros come and go but legends live for ever seb no matter what he decides his name will always carry the stature of a legend.

[Rishu]

You’re out of luck, because he just married Hanna.

:rotfl

[nani_s23]

Toro rosso took a risk with a full wet setup that's why vettel won.

You can't compare toro rosso in 2008 and toro rosso when max was there lol...

Ohhh... so it’s down to car ??? Then why ham wins aren’t compared to mercs rocket ship ??

Even the same can I call max wins are specific to track layouts which suits RB ??
Remember everyone was appreciating of his stunning moves in a wet race I think it’s Brazil GP? But all of them knew that he was on New Set of tyres at the end than others ? Which gives u advantage..!

Ok leave all the aspects. Vettel made mistakes in a strong car, For which he needs to be replaced that’s the point right ?
Max made lot of mistakes too?? Where he was supposed to win, then why backing for max not vettel ??
Max is not a ferrari driver, vettel is & we say ferrari team first then the drivers??

[Stormy]

Seb aint retiring end of this year. He has a contract for next year as well. A lucrative contract. He's racing for us next year as well that is sure. Afterwards he might retire.And I dont see what Ricciardo can do more than Seb tbh. Maybe one mistake less.

[wisepie]

Honestly, they can sign me! Joke a side. I think problem is not within the drivers, but with the team. In modern formula, it is less drivers, and more car and bloody tires that gives you wins and titles!

Quite correct Stefa, hits the nail on the head!!;-)

[TonyRizza]

Ohhh... so it’s down to car ??? Then why ham wins aren’t compared to mercs rocket ship ??

Even the same can I call max wins are specific to track layouts which suits RB ??
Remember everyone was appreciating of his stunning moves in a wet race I think it’s Brazil GP? But all of them knew that he was on New Set of tyres at the end than others ? Which gives u advantage..!

Ok leave all the aspects. Vettel made mistakes in a strong car, For which he needs to be replaced that’s the point right ?
Max made lot of mistakes too?? Where he was supposed to win, then why backing for max not vettel ??
Max is not a ferrari driver, vettel is & we say ferrari team first then the drivers??

Hamiltons wins are.

And I'd rather max cause he's always been fast and is improving as he matures.

Vettel just gets worse as the years go on.

And yes I support ferrari, drivers come and go

[nani_s23]

Hamiltons wins are.

And I'd rather max cause he's always been fast and is improving as he matures.

Vettel just gets worse as the years go on.

And yes I support ferrari, drivers come and go

Improving... can you be clear on this ?
Monaco colliding with bottas is improving ?
Last race pushing other driver of the track is improving ?

Gasly is not performing as expected, if someone with much more potential who challenge max then the real test begins.
Max too makes lot of mistakes, yeah I agree with you he’s matured a bit but still that mistakes are happening.
Ofcourse he’s fast, but even lando norris is fast.

If u r removing a driver Becoz of mistakes after mistakes then you shouldn’t consider the driver who has the same profile ?

[Brembo]

The best sign of driver improvement is winning a race! You can't do any better for your team and fans ! The worst would be going all season without a single win, as a #1 driver for IMO the best of all teams. Ferrari needs to go with "A Winner!"

[killer]

Ok leave all the aspects. Vettel made mistakes in a strong car, For which he needs to be replaced that’s the point right ?


Not in this particular thread, no. The discussion is if Seb chooses to retire.

[Brembo]

Hamiltons wins are.

And I'd rather max cause he's always been fast and is improving as he matures.

Vettel just gets worse as the years go on.

And yes I support ferrari, drivers come and go

Great post! As far as retirement goes, one more $50, Million year in the bank and his already 4 WDCs, he can retire happily for ever after. He for sure did great for himself and his future family!!! Using the term retirement for folks under 40 yrs. old is still hard to comprehend! :rotfl But... driving in F-1 is that tough physically for sure. The drivers deserve the relaxation and recognition they get for the rest of their life. they earned it !

[TonyRizza]

Improving... can you be clear on this ?
Monaco colliding with bottas is improving ?
Last race pushing other driver of the track is improving ?

Gasly is not performing as expected, if someone with much more potential who challenge max then the real test begins.
Max too makes lot of mistakes, yeah I agree with you he’s matured a bit but still that mistakes are happening.
Ofcourse he’s fast, but even lando norris is fast.

If u r removing a driver Becoz of mistakes after mistakes then you shouldn’t consider the driver who has the same profile ?

He gets faster making less errors.

Last race he won with a fair move, don't like it don't watch racing.

He beat ricciardo in the same car, one of the highest rated drivers.

Vettel is slower than verstappen and makes more mistakes, I like his personality more but after 12 years since our last title idc about if vettel is nice, he will never be ferrari wdc

[Dead Eyes]

The drivers haven't won the championship since 2013. Now it's just Pirelli and Mercedes that decide the championship. Back in Michaels day he made the difference for us. Back in the Red Bull era it was Seb who made the difference. Vettel was the master of the blown diffusor. In 20 years time that's what he will be known for. Hamilton Alonso Button Webber, none of them could adapt to the blown diffusor like Vettel.

If this is goodbye to Seb it has been a pleasure. The fastest driver I have ever seen.

[FranksterGM]

Oh man... please not Ricciardo, Then all those bogan Aussie fair weather fans would support Ferrari just because he is there, the team does not need them.
Ricciardo chose to drive for Aus, instead of his heritage he can P off.
I would rather someone good from the academy.

[IulianFerrari]

Although I like him, Ricciardo has done a lot of mistakes this year already. He has shown his speed and is now faster than Hulk but those silly mistakes is costing Renault some valuable points and he doesn't learn from them. I would like to see Max in the Ferrari if Seb retires at end of the season, he looks like he has matured a lot in the last year. Back to Seb, if he returns to before Italy last year form, then I would to see him stay, but if he continues like this(Kimi beating him in the 2nd half of last year and Charles giving him a tough time this year) I would rather have Max. Ricciardo needs to get his stuff together at Renault first.

[Ferrarichamp]

Oh man... please not Ricciardo, Then all those bogan Aussie fair weather fans would support Ferrari just because he is there, the team does not need them.
Ricciardo chose to drive for Aus, instead of his heritage he can P off.
I would rather someone good from the academy.

7637

[TonyRizza]

Oh man... please not Ricciardo, Then all those bogan Aussie fair weather fans would support Ferrari just because he is there, the team does not need them.
Ricciardo chose to drive for Aus, instead of his heritage he can P off.
I would rather someone good from the academy.

Obviously ricciardo fans would support ferrari while he's here... Same as all the biased vettel fans that post nonsense on the forums

[enjaybel3]

...Ricciardo chose to drive for Aus, instead of his heritage...
Dan is Australian. But if you think it counts more where your parents come from, then, according to the oldest sapien fossils, he should be Moroccan, and so is Ferrari.

[FranksterGM]

7637

bleh

[FranksterGM]

Dan is Australian. But if you think it counts more where your parents come from, then, according to the oldest sapien fossils, he should be Moroccan, and so is Ferrari.

Funny how in other sports like football and Olympic sports the children and grandchildren of immigrants get scouted by their heritage nation.
And yes blood does count more.

[nani_s23]

Not in this particular thread, no. The discussion is if Seb chooses to retire.

Yeah that’s right. But it reached to point where he should be replaced even before vettel retires at ferrari.
Few may think I’m die hard vettel fan. :rotfl but I’m not.
I’m a ferrari fan, first defend the team & their drivers. I’m one of them who called Lec a great talent n need to be in ferrari. That’s how it goes.

I agree that he made mistakes, at the same time ferrari team too made mistakes & calling 2018 championship winning car is not right.
In that car I feel only Schumi or Alonso could have won the championship.
Lewis May score more points than vettel but can’t win WDC with that car too.
Look at Mexico Last sector for reference, mercs & RB absolutely thrashed ferrari.
Front tyre graining & blisters we saw in Monza. There are other couple of references too.

[nani_s23]

He gets faster making less errors.

Last race he won with a fair move, don't like it don't watch racing.

He beat ricciardo in the same car, one of the highest rated drivers.

Vettel is slower than verstappen and makes more mistakes, I like his personality more but after 12 years since our last title idc about if vettel is nice, he will never be ferrari wdc


It seems you don’t watch my posts regularly.
Max making less errors ?? If that is called hard racing, then this year vettel made 1 mistake in Bahrain, max made it in Monaco. Wt else other than that ?

Season not ended for both the drivers right ??

I’ll give one equation, ferrari 2nd fastest car. Challenging mercs at some circuits.
Max RBull Honda, consistent 4th position. Except Monaco & last race he’s never in challenge with mercs.

When the real challenge Wheel-wheel comes into picture, then u would see how max behaves.
Remember China GP? He was supposed to win.

[Dead Eyes]

Let get Mick in the car. Two real Ferrari drivers. Imagine Seb and Mick leading us into action. Seb winning the cups then handing the keys to Mick when he retires. Then Mick wins a ton of cups. It would be beautiful.

[TonyRizza]

It seems you don’t watch my posts regularly.
Max making less errors ?? If that is called hard racing, then this year vettel made 1 mistake in Bahrain, max made it in Monaco. Wt else other than that ?

Season not ended for both the drivers right ??

I’ll give one equation, ferrari 2nd fastest car. Challenging mercs at some circuits.
Max RBull Honda, consistent 4th position. Except Monaco & last race he’s never in challenge with mercs.

When the real challenge Wheel-wheel comes into picture, then u would see how max behaves.
Remember China GP? He was supposed to win.

Vettel made a mistake and lost Canada and the potential to win in Bahrain cause he likes a spin.

Max overtakes and wins a race in wheel to wheel.

And if ferrari is 2nd fastest car then redbull is 3rd fastest and him winning is even more impressive... You should proof read what you write, or at least try to understand what you write. This way you will look less like a biased seb fan boy

[Brembo]

[QUOTE=nani_s23;1013035]It seems you don’t watch my posts regularly.
Max making less errors
Max RBull Honda, consistent

[chinmay]

With Vettel now on the verge of retirement, Ferrari has to find someone but unfortunately there is no fast driver out there to replace Seb so they have to make use of whatever is available, be it Ricciardo.

[Brembo]

With Vettel now on the verge of retirement, Ferrari has to find someone but unfortunately there is no fast driver out there to replace Seb so they have to make use of whatever is available, be it Ricciardo.

Who won the last race? Who has more points than both our drivers? Who's driving not a top car? Who lapped his team mate last race? Who started from 8th. pl. and won the race? Go Ricciardo ! Too bad Gio's not ready yet.

[bondilad]

Who won the last race? Who has more points than both our drivers? Who's driving not a top car? Who lapped his team mate last race? Who started from 8th. pl. and won the race? Go Ricciardo ! Too bad Gio's not ready yet.

Who ?

[evo_spook]

Let get Mick in the car. Two real Ferrari drivers. Imagine Seb and Mick leading us into action. Seb winning the cups then handing the keys to Mick when he retires. Then Mick wins a ton of cups. It would be beautiful.

Maybe wait till Mick proves good enough to even get into f1 and then prove to be good enough to win a race before having him win a ton of cups....

[nani_s23]

Vettel made a mistake and lost Canada and the potential to win in Bahrain cause he likes a spin.

Max overtakes and wins a race in wheel to wheel.

And if ferrari is 2nd fastest car then redbull is 3rd fastest and him winning is even more impressive... You should proof read what you write, or at least try to understand what you write. This way you will look less like a biased seb fan boy

I don’t need to prove anything here.

I support my team n my drivers. As you people are supporting max even who made the mistakes throwing away wins.
If it’s only wheel to wheel racing that is making excited there are couple of drivers who are much more than that.

With those Hard tyres ferrari were switched on their pace, simply missing the logic.
No way RB can’t catch us on those straights. But still they did why ? Ohhh max power??
Look at Canada, which was the fastest car ?? Mercs? Where was max then ??
You saying vettel made mistake in Canada, I don’t term it as a mistake. That backend of the car stepped away but he controlled it back. Even then ham couldn’t able to overtake why??? You people don’t call those as brilliance.
Bahrain yes it was his mistake.

Straight question, RB as everyone know they are king of DF.
Max is been driving with TR&RB for long time. Then why didn’t max had a pole all those years even at RB favoured track???
He’s fast right ? He’s fast over Seb,Ham etc...right ?? Where’s that fast?
Don’t say party mode please. 2015 car we didn’t have party mode, but vettel took pole when nobody expected.

This year Charles is proving that he’s more than max. We don’t have strong car yet Lec & vettel took pole positions.
We could have in Baku too, but bad luck was on our side.

Last race too Vettel would have been 2nd in quali or May be 1st too.

[nani_s23]

Who won the last race? Who has more points than both our drivers? Who's driving not a top car? Who lapped his team mate last race? Who started from 8th. pl. and won the race? Go Ricciardo ! Too bad Gio's not ready yet.

Oh season is already over?? Oh my bad.
Talking about team-mate :rotfl.

[paolo lalli]

Charles will finish ahead of max in this year's championship I believe. This in itself is a victory and will only drive max to further distractions and frustration it could well be a trigger for max to exit red bull.

[TonyRizza]

I don’t need to prove anything here.

I support my team n my drivers. As you people are supporting max even who made the mistakes throwing away wins.
If it’s only wheel to wheel racing that is making excited there are couple of drivers who are much more than that.

With those Hard tyres ferrari were switched on their pace, simply missing the logic.
No way RB can’t catch us on those straights. But still they did why ? Ohhh max power??
Look at Canada, which was the fastest car ?? Mercs? Where was max then ??
You saying vettel made mistake in Canada, I don’t term it as a mistake. That backend of the car stepped away but he controlled it back. Even then ham couldn’t able to overtake why??? You people don’t call those as brilliance.
Bahrain yes it was his mistake.

Straight question, RB as everyone know they are king of DF.
Max is been driving with TR&RB for long time. Then why didn’t max had a pole all those years even at RB favoured track???
He’s fast right ? He’s fast over Seb,Ham etc...right ?? Where’s that fast?
Don’t say party mode please. 2015 car we didn’t have party mode, but vettel took pole when nobody expected.

This year Charles is proving that he’s more than max. We don’t have strong car yet Lec & vettel took pole positions.
We could have in Baku too, but bad luck was on our side.

Last race too Vettel would have been 2nd in quali or May be 1st too.

He made a mistake and pushed Hamilton into the wall which meant he lost the race, "the car stepped out" is his mistake. (I don't think it was a penalty but it was his mistake that gave the stewards the power)

Also pole positions doesn't matter when you don't win. Or in maxs case you don't need pole to win.

[nani_s23]

He made a mistake and pushed Hamilton into the wall which meant he lost the race, "the car stepped out" is his mistake. (I don't think it was a penalty but it was his mistake that gave the stewards the power)

Also pole positions doesn't matter when you don't win. Or in maxs case you don't need pole to win.

Ok don’t want to argue further on this. Let’s maintain healthy environment in this forum.
I’m fed up with this explanation & all.

If the time has arrived for vettel to be replaced then no one can stop that. But I feel currently it’s not such a situation at ferrari.

[Brembo]

[QUOTE=nani_s23;1013061]Oh season is already over?? Oh my bad.

You and most every one here seems to think so. Your bad is every thread a R Bull story! I still have faith in Charles even when there's only a slightest chance !! My bad !

[F-e-r-r-nando]

If he leaves then we wont win any cups. He's been carrying us for 4 years and took us closer to the cup than anyone else would have done. He helped us recover after the state Alonso left the team in.

If he does leave then I wish him the best. He's a beautiful man and an inspiration to all, but I will miss him so much and so will our team.
For 4 years the most significant thing he's done (results wise) is revive Kimi's career, after Alonso all but ended it. Check Alonso's Q & race & points results vs Kimi at Ferrari, then compare them to Seb vs Kimi at Ferrari. After doing that you should realize that Seb is not as special as his 4 gifted WDC's (ala Ham's current reign) would have you beleive.

Honest question, and you'd likely know the answer: does Seb work out? Looking at his upper body, I have my doubts.

Should Seb retire early, I guess Max would be the best choice for Ferrari's long term future. He's already better than Seb and will only get better. If you watch his last race closely you'll see how "crafty" he already is - i.e. the lap prior to his pass for the lead, he took the same corner on the inside but braking a bit earlier than he needed to, making CL think that he couldn't get the pass done on the inside. Hence, CL takes the same line on the next lap expecting the same result, while Max already knew he could go deeper before braking and push CL wide. Don't get me wrong, I love CL and it would not surprise me at all if one day I rate him higher than Max (I already rate him higher than Seb).

Other options? I'd love to see a Seb for DR swap between Ferrari and Renault. Dan would bring good energy to the team and help Ferrari media wise... and steward/FIA wise. It'd also be fun to see Seb vs the Hulk, but of course this isn't likely to happen.

Hamilton? Although I admit he's finally matured a bit over the past 2 or 3 years. He's making fewer stupid mistakes and seems to have found a nicer (more honest) personality. But NO WAY. IMO, Hamilton shouldn't even be allowed to own a Ferrari road car! Thing is, Hamilton was a McLaren project from 11 yrs old. Top shelf support to the point that, despite having great talent, he still knows less than most of us on this forum about how an F1 car actually functions. I couldn't handle hearing him continue to make so many stupid radio calls to the team, like: "I don't think my DRS is working" - "my tires seem shot and I think I have to pit", etc. etc... only to be told: "No Lewis, you actually set the fastest MPH through the speed trap last lap" - "No Lewis, we think these tyres should be good for another 32 laps". PLEASE, no ham in a Ferrari, ever.

So if Vet decides to go early, or even after the 2020 season, I'd say Max is who Ferrari should try to get. If they can't get him, a rested Alonso chomping at the bit for one more WDC would be my second choice. Regardless though, I feel great about CL and his ability to become Ferrari's #1 driver, in fact I kind of see him as that right now.

I actually like Seb's personality, but sadly when history is written I doubt he'll even be ranked above Nelson Piquet.

[killer]

If Vettel did leave early and it was down to a choice (for some reason) between Hamilton and Alonso, whom do we like?

:munch

[paolo lalli]

Charles is the future Lewis and co will be the past.Except for max I can see him and Charles having many many battles and of course Charles will rein supreme.

[nani_s23]

Charles is the future Lewis and co will be the past.Except for max I can see him and Charles having many many battles and of course Charles will rein supreme.

Charles is the most simple & matured driver than Mad max. Charles knows when to attack & defend. He has that patience which gives edge over Max who is more aggressive & doesn’t back makes moves which either will be stunning or destruction. Charles is not that way

[nani_s23]

If Vettel did leave early and it was down to a choice (for some reason) between Hamilton and Alonso, whom do we like?

:munch


If we want to compare Ham vs Alonso. This debate was coming from long time.
For me it’s alonso, others have their opinion.
Everyone show political agenda in their team, in Alonso’s case it was open where as Ham’s case it’s hidden that’s the only difference

[Louisa Fortuna]

For 4 years the most significant thing he's done (results wise) is revive Kimi's career, after Alonso all but ended it. Check Alonso's Q & race & points results vs Kimi at Ferrari, then compare them to Seb vs Kimi at Ferrari. After doing that you should realize that Seb is not as special as his 4 gifted WDC's (ala Ham's current reign) would have you beleive.

Honest question, and you'd likely know the answer: does Seb work out? Looking at his upper body, I have my doubts.

Should Seb retire early, I guess Max would be the best choice for Ferrari's long term future. He's already better than Seb and will only get better. If you watch his last race closely you'll see how "crafty" he already is - i.e. the lap prior to his pass for the lead, he took the same corner on the inside but braking a bit earlier than he needed to, making CL think that he couldn't get the pass done on the inside. Hence, CL takes the same line on the next lap expecting the same result, while Max already knew he could go deeper before braking and push CL wide. Don't get me wrong, I love CL and it would not surprise me at all if one day I rate him higher than Max (I already rate him higher than Seb).

Other options? I'd love to see a Seb for DR swap between Ferrari and Renault. Dan would bring good energy to the team and help Ferrari media wise... and steward/FIA wise. It'd also be fun to see Seb vs the Hulk, but of course this isn't likely to happen.

Hamilton? Although I admit he's finally matured a bit over the past 2 or 3 years. He's making fewer stupid mistakes and seems to have found a nicer (more honest) personality. But NO WAY. IMO, Hamilton shouldn't even be allowed to own a Ferrari road car! Thing is, Hamilton was a McLaren project from 11 yrs old. Top shelf support to the point that, despite having great talent, he still knows less than most of us on this forum about how an F1 car actually functions. I couldn't handle hearing him continue to make so many stupid radio calls to the team, like: "I don't think my DRS is working" - "my tires seem shot and I think I have to pit", etc. etc... only to be told: "No Lewis, you actually set the fastest MPH through the speed trap last lap" - "No Lewis, we think these tyres should be good for another 32 laps". PLEASE, no ham in a Ferrari, ever.

So if Vet decides to go early, or even after the 2020 season, I'd say Max is who Ferrari should try to get. If they can't get him, a rested Alonso chomping at the bit for one more WDC would be my second choice. Regardless though, I feel great about CL and his ability to become Ferrari's #1 driver, in fact I kind of see him as that right now.

I actually like Seb's personality, but sadly when history is written I doubt he'll even be ranked above Nelson Piquet.

If you seriously believe that Lewis knows less/nothing about how the car functions compared to the people here on the forum that really shows how backward you are, really. I seriously can't understand why people like you have such hate for him while other driver has down far worse. Lewis in out team will make us champion hands down, he doesn't need No1 status like Vettel, Alonso and Schumacher for example..

[Louisa Fortuna]

If Vettel did leave early and it was down to a choice (for some reason) between Hamilton and Alonso, whom do we like?

:munch

Hamilton.

[vcs316]

If Vettel did leave early and it was down to a choice (for some reason) between Hamilton and Alonso, whom do we like?

:munch

Alonso

[Ferrarichamp]

I'd like to see Hamilton back at McLaren.

[Brembo]

If it was to be Alonso, Ferrari would get Flavio , his manager for life. Ferrari would be in far better shape with Flavio

[vcs316]

Appeal of 2021 F1 rules important to Vettel stay or leave decision

Sebastian Vettel says the appeal of Formula 1's planned 2021 rules will play an important part in whether he continues racing or walks away from the championship.

The four-time world champion criticised the state of F1 when he lost victory in the Canadian Grand Prix because of a five-second time penalty.

Vettel has expressed dissatisfaction that "lawyer"-speak has become part of modern F1 with the way drivers report incidents to officials, and believes a flawed and bloated rulebook is to blame.

Drivers have been given a formal role to play in the finalisation of F1's regulations for 2021, which will feature a raft of major changes.

Asked by Autosport if the 2021 rules were important for deciding whether he would still be in F1, Vettel said: "Of course. Yes.

"I still need to look at in a way that I say the cars are exciting, the formula is exciting.

"Time is ticking obviously. It's good we've been asked. We gave our opinion and we will give our opinion again.

"Hopefully we find the sport taking the right turns to grow, to allow us to race, to allow us to challenge ourselves and explore our skills."

Vettel made his F1 debut in 2007 and is contracted to Ferrari until the end of 2020.

His career has included four world titles from 2010-13, all with Red Bull, 52 victories and records such as the youngest poleman and youngest champion in F1 history.

However, he has not been able to replicate his Red Bull success at Ferrari, and the last two seasons have featured several high-profile mistakes.

Despite those setbacks, and some speculation linking him to a Red Bull return in the future, Vettel has insisted he is happy at Ferrari and wants to continue at the famous Italian team.

Given he would only be 33 at the start of the 2021 season, any decision to retire would likely be down to personal preference.

Asked where the current cars rank in terms of driver satisfaction, Vettel said: "At high-speed they are top of the class. Low-speed... I wouldn't say bottom of the class! But they are just too heavy.

"It's something I don't like. I think a Formula 1 car that I got to know first was very exciting throughout the speed ranges.

"And the race turned out to be a sprint race, which was great because you could push yourself and the car and the tyres every lap.

"That has changed a bit. We are managing some races more, some races less.

"Some management will always be here and rightly so. You need to also use your head, not just your feet and hands.

"But still the one rewarded most should be the fastest guy."

Vettel's main rival in recent seasons, five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, has also indicated before that the 2021 overhaul will be a key part in deciding whether he keeps racing.

https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/144733/2021-rules-important-to-vettel-stay-or-leave-decision

[Tifoso Svedese]

Vettel will be here in 2020 regardless, but of course Alonso rather than Hammy - the latter is the most overrated driver in F1 history and an outright pr*ck, who's been in our most despised teams his entire career. It's like taking Wayne Rooney to Liverpool, seriously. No frigging way. There's a very strong likelihood I'd only support Charles and hope for Hammy to fail in that scenario, because I can't stand him, not even close and it gets worse by the year. I can't pretend these last few years and the FIA stuff didn't happen.

Alonso on the other hand is the second best driver we've had since 80's - he's a reliable machine rarely making mistakes and always on top of things, speaks Italian and has plenty of know-how.

Hopefully though, it's Leclerc/Verstappen for 2021 anyway. Max still has time to mature, something Hammy never will.

[TonyRizza]

I don't want Hamilton to join and I really don't like him... But if he joins ferrari then I want him to win...

Horrible thought though...

[Tifoso Svedese]

I don't want Hamilton to join and I really don't like him... But if he joins ferrari then I want him to win...

Horrible thought though...

Well, Hammy is beyond the pale for me. Nothing can undo 2017 and 2018 and the way those championships were bent against us for me. I'd feel like I'd lost a family member if Ferrari after those travesties decided to bring him in.

The ideal result of a Lewis tenure at Ferrari would be a Leclerc WDC and Lewis to retire after one year having been completely obliterated by Charles. Having had such an easy team mate that only just squeezed past the over-the-hill version of Massa for three years now, he'd be very unprepared for a young charger taking him out.

Leclerc isn't yet the finished article, yet I do believe, based on the general feeling of this season, that he'll outscore Vettel by quite a bit the second half of the season. Seb just hasn't had the pace Charles has had in Bahrain, Baku and Austria all year, he's only been more consistent, based upon his experience. On race pace even in Canada, Charles was extremely close to him. Still, put Hammy and Seb in the same car and there'd be nothing to choose between them. Had Lewis gone elsewhere for 2013, he'd still be a one-time champion. It'd only be damaging for us to get him, alienating many fans, having to deal with his Instagram fanboys wouldn't help either - and he'd also be going downhill ability and motivation-wise approaching 40 as well. It's way easier to stay motivated chasing after goals, like Alonso has done for so long, Lewis on the other hand has won it so much that he wouldn't care too much if he won the title at Ferrari or not. It'd just be a thing he'd done "to do it" rather than bringing his soul into the team like Michael did.

First time there was adversity he'd slag the team off on the radio and in the media like Alonso with Honda. It'd be a disaster.

[wisepie]

I'd like to see Hamilton back at McLaren.

I'd like to see Hamilton in a Williams.;-) Enough said.

[nani_s23]

I'd like to see Hamilton in a Williams.;-) Enough said.

:rotfl

[Louisa Fortuna]

Vettel will be here in 2020 regardless, but of course Alonso rather than Hammy - the latter is the most overrated driver in F1 history and an outright pr*ck, who's been in our most despised teams his entire career. It's like taking Wayne Rooney to Liverpool, seriously. No frigging way. There's a very strong likelihood I'd only support Charles and hope for Hammy to fail in that scenario, because I can't stand him, not even close and it gets worse by the year. I can't pretend these last few years and the FIA stuff didn't happen.

Alonso on the other hand is the second best driver we've had since 80's - he's a reliable machine rarely making mistakes and always on top of things, speaks Italian and has plenty of know-how.

Hopefully though, it's Leclerc/Verstappen for 2021 anyway. Max still has time to mature, something Hammy never will.

You seriously need to grow up with your Hamilton hate. If Hamilton is overrated then what is Alonso who he beat as a rookie with No2 status for six races ? I mean he didn't black mail a team causing them a $100 Mil fine like Alonso did for example but still you riding on Alonso and hating on Lewis who never backstabbed his team unlike your hero Alonso. I swear i hope Lewis joins our team and makes us champion, i want to see your toxic face then.

[Dead Eyes]

This sport has betrayed Seb. Stupid rules and biased press. They just want Hamilton to win and everyone else to go away. That is why our sport is dying.

[Louisa Fortuna]

This sport has betrayed Seb. Stupid rules and biased press. They just want Hamilton to win and everyone else to go away. That is why our sport is dying.

Sebastian has betrayed our team with his poor performance in 2018 and 2017

[nani_s23]

This sport has betrayed Seb. Stupid rules and biased press. They just want Hamilton to win and everyone else to go away. That is why our sport is dying.

Your stupid posts are creating non-sense. There should be a limit for everything.
It’s Vettel’s dream to win WDC with ferrari, not the other way around.
Ferrari never run after drivers in order to poach them. It’s driver’s passion to drive for ferrari, mind it.

[chinmay]

Sebastian has betrayed our team with his poor performance in 2018 and 2017

Poor performance in 2017? LOL, Hamilton in a faster car struggled to keep pace with Vettel who was one with the car, peak Vettel I should say. Only a vastly upgraded Mercedes in the 2nd half gave him the title.

Keep on posting such bs Folky, it gives us a good laugh.

[nani_s23]

Sebastian has betrayed our team with his poor performance in 2018 and 2017

2017??? Funny post.
2018 yes Vettel’s mistake, but still not championship car

[Tifoso Svedese]

You seriously need to grow up with your Hamilton hate. If Hamilton is overrated then what is Alonso who he beat as a rookie with No2 status for six races ? I mean he didn't black mail a team causing them a $100 Mil fine like Alonso did for example but still you riding on Alonso and hating on Lewis who never backstabbed his team unlike your hero Alonso. I swear i hope Lewis joins our team and makes us champion, i want to see your toxic face then.

Ferrari fan worshipping at the altar of Hammy?

Now I've seen it all :rotfl

Everytime he faces adversity he collapses. He'd been in a complete state of meltdown in a Ferrari this past decade. What next? Is he better than Schumacher? Is Bottas better than Vettel? I can't wait, I'm grabbing then popcorn, like...

[Louisa Fortuna]

Ferrari fan worshipping at the altar of Hammy?

Now I've seen it all :rotfl

Everytime he faces he adversity he collapses. He'd been in a complete state of meltdown in a Ferrari this past decade. What next? Is he better than Schumacher? Is Bottas better than Vettel? I can't wait, I'm grabbing then popcorn, like...

You don't want to know how many Ferrari fans like Hamilton, there are a lot. Grow up.

[Louisa Fortuna]

2017??? Funny post.
2018 yes Vettel’s mistake, but still not championship car

Vettel was leading in 2017 till Singapore until the moment he, Max and Kimi all came together..

[Tifoso Svedese]

To be honest, I think they can be counted on one hand...

Also, Vettel trailed in the championship going into Singapore.

[Louisa Fortuna]

Poor performance in 2017? LOL, Hamilton in a faster car struggled to keep pace with Vettel who was one with the car, peak Vettel I should say. Only a vastly upgraded Mercedes in the 2nd half gave him the title.

Keep on posting such bs Folky, it gives us a good laugh.

Who was leading at Singapore by a healthy margin until he, Max and Kimi crashed ? It was Vettel that gave the lead to Lewis, nobody else did especially when Hamilton was P5 and Vettel P1.

[nani_s23]

Vettel was leading in 2017 till Singapore until the moment he, Max and Kimi all came together..

Oh wow. There’s nothing to do with that move. Even Schumi used the same technique, but thing is Kimi got excellent start of all.

Have u forgot ?? Spark plug issue? DNFs ?? We had reliability issues?
Also you were saying, until that race he was leading wt happ after that?? Ferrari suddenly lost performance? No..!!
Mercs did get better on n on. Ham got better n better.

[Louisa Fortuna]

Oh wow. There’s nothing to do with that move. Even Schumi used the same technique, but thing is Kimi got excellent start of all.

Have u forgot ?? Spark plug issue? DNFs ?? We had reliability issues?
Also you were saying, until that race he was leading wt happ after that?? Ferrari suddenly lost performance? No..!!
Mercs did get better on n on. Ham got better n better.

I am not even talking about that move, i was referring to the fact that Lewis was P5 and Vettel P1. Vettel was racing Hamilton, not Verstappen or Kimi, that was the bigger picture.

[Dead Eyes]

Why are you blaming Seb. He developed our car in 2017. It wasn't as good as the dominant Mercedes at any track yet Seb still won us many races and somehow challenged for the title until our engineers made mistakes late in the year. He did the same in 2018. He only made mistakes chasing the dominant Mercedes car that was again the best at every track.

Without Sebs driving and development work we would still be in the same place as 2014. We would have the 4th best car instead of the 2nd best car. We would not even challenge for a title either. Our engineers messed up this year but Seb is willing to take a hit for the rest of the year to get us ready for 2020.

Forza Ferrari
Forza Seb

[TonyRizza]

Why are you blaming Seb. He developed our car in 2017. It wasn't as good as the dominant Mercedes at any track yet Seb still won us many races and somehow challenged for the title until our engineers made mistakes late in the year. He did the same in 2018. He only made mistakes chasing the dominant Mercedes car that was again the best at every track.

Without Sebs driving and development work we would still be in the same place as 2014. We would have the 4th best car instead of the 2nd best car. We would not even challenge for a title either. Our engineers messed up this year but Seb is willing to take a hit for the rest of the year to get us ready for 2020.

Forza Ferrari
Forza Seb

reading your comments make me feel like im smart, thanks for your contribution :)

[Dead Eyes]

reading your comments make me feel like im smart, thanks for your contribution :)

What's your problem with Seb. I don't get why some on here don't like him. As Ferrari fans we should love him. He's won many winners' trophies for us against a dominant car. We loved Michael in the nineties when he was winning cups for us even if he didn't win the championship. Why not Seb?

[Noquarter]

What's your problem with Seb. I don't get why some on here don't like him. As Ferrari fans we should love him. He's won many winners' trophies for us against a dominant car. We loved Michael in the nineties when he was winning cups for us even if he didn't win the championship. Why not Seb?

Because Schumacher was second to none. He made impossible things. Riccardo and Leclerc prove that Sebastian is not so good at all.

[Dead Eyes]

Because Schumacher was second to none. He made impossible things. Riccardo and Leclerc prove that Sebastian is not so good at all.

Seb does impossible things as well. As often as Michael did.

[F-e-r-r-nando]

Seb does impossible things as well. As often as Michael did.

Sorry, neither of them ever did impossible things.

[Brembo]

Seb is in bad shape every race because they took away the grid girls! Forget the tires, those girls made the drivers pay attention!

[TonyRizza]

Seb does impossible things as well. As often as Michael did.

Impossible for a 4x champ to be 6tenths behind his team mate

[chinmay]

Impossible for a 4x champ to be 6tenths behind his team mate

There you said it. Seb can't be 6 tenths behind his team mate without anything wrong his car. I haven't seen the sector times but someone was saying he was 3 tenths slower than Leclerc in 1st sector alone, the sector which Ferrari is strongest in due to engine. The bad thing about it is if you struggle in qualifying, you will usually struggle in race too. He is on course to finish 6th, may pick off Gasly at most.

[TonyRizza]

Nothing wrong with the car he said so himself

[chinmay]

Nothing wrong with the car he said so himself

Well Vettel said that without even doing anything, you are automatically faster in Q3 than in Q1 but he said he was doing the same laptimes all the time whether it was Q1 or Q2 or Q3.

Q1 - 1:25.898
Q2 - 1:26.023
Q3 - 1:25.787

Among the top 6 drivers, in Q3, except Vettel, every driver improved massively.

[Ferrarichamp]

Well Vettel said that without even doing anything, you are automatically faster in Q3 than in Q1 but he said he was doing the same laptimes all the time whether it was Q1 or Q2 or Q3.

Q1 - 1:25.898
Q2 - 1:26.023
Q3 - 1:25.787

Among the top 6 drivers, in Q3, except Vettel, every driver improved massively.

so you think the team are hiding a mechanical issue on the car? If that's true then Seb will have a bad race today.

[Arcana]

so you think the team are hiding a mechanical issue on the car? If that's true then Seb will have a bad race today.

A new conspiracy theory arises in F1: Ferrari are sabotaging Vettel's campaign.

[From Treviso]

What I miss during the Schumacher, early Kimi and then Alonso days, was a Ferrari that got better and better during races, which would add real hope and excitement for Ferrari fans. Today, we have the opposite where the car seems to have brief period of competitive speed and then just tapers off some 5 laps after a pitstop. The Mercedes and Red Bulls get better and better during the races, while we lose pace, eventually leaving the door open for them to pass with ease. I hope that something will give and stop this rot because it's demoralising!

[wisepie]

What I miss during the Schumacher, early Kimi and then Alonso days, was a Ferrari that got better and better during races, which would add real hope and excitement for Ferrari fans. Today, we have the opposite where the car seems to have brief period of competitive speed and then just tapers off some 5 laps after a pitstop. The Mercedes and Red Bulls get better and better during the races, while we lose pace, eventually leaving the door open for them to pass with ease. I hope that something will give and stop this rot because it's demoralising!

It's the damn tyres and some strange (desperate?) strategy calls, but as Binotto has said, with the SF90's limitations, we need to do something different from the others, so it's always a gamble.:roll

[From Treviso]

Yes, but it's also up to the car to turn the tyres on, which the Ferraris of the previous era were able to do so better than the competition. If others can do so now, then Ferrari can also find a way to do so as well (hoping)

[vcs316]

It's the damn tyres and some strange (desperate?) strategy calls, but as Binotto has said, with the SF90's limitations, we need to do something different from the others, so it's always a gamble.:roll

I would attribute more to the strange strategy calls and a little less to do with the tyres.

[chinmay]

so you think the team are hiding a mechanical issue on the car? If that's true then Seb will have a bad race today.

Nope. The configuration change Ferrari did in Austria unlocked the car for Leclerc. You can see he was struggling the races before but since Austria, he is very happy. But it only unlocked the car for Leclerc, Vettel is having the same issues since Australia except for a odd race or two in between. Maybe once they complete the current "fixing" of car issues, both drivers will be comfortable and confident with it.

[chinmay]

I would attribute more to the strange strategy calls and a little less to do with the tyres.

Tyres come first, strategy comes later. If you can't work tyres properly, any and every strategy will fail miserably.

[Dead Eyes]

Why go against Seb with the cars development. We should be giving the man what he wants.