Ex F1 Driver Highlights a Major Disadvantage for Sebastian Vettel Amid Ferrari Contract Talks

Ex-Formula 1 driver turned pundit, Paul di Resta, recently spoke about Sebastian Vettel. The 4-time world champion has yet to sign a contract extension with Scuderia Ferrari. However, Di Resta believes that Ferrari holds all the cards and have power over Vettel during the contract negotiation phase.

Initial reports suggested that Ferrari offered Vettel a one-year contract extension with a drastic wage cut. Prior to all the speculation, the Ferrari man indicated that he normally signs three-year contracts. Obviously, a one-year deal is not as lucrative, but is it enough to make Vettel walk away?

Also, Di Resta observed that Scuderia Ferrari calls all the shots, especially with their new star, Charles Leclerc. So, Sebastian Vettel can only “take what he gets”, and he could be an expendable asset.

Does Sebastian Vettel have a future at Ferrari?

“I really think it’s up to Ferrari if they want to keep Vettel,” Di Resta told Sky Sports F1. “I don’t think Vettel’s got any decision in this at all. He’ll have to take what he gets. And that may push him out of it. Sebastian if he’s on form, I think you’d love to see him in there. But if he’s not I think there’s a few people lining up out of contract who Ferrari could equally grab.”

Vettel is under pressure because Ferrari can replace with drivers like Carlos Sainz, Daniel Ricciardo or even Antonio Giovinazzi. Furthermore, Fernando Alonso’s name also cropped up as a potential suitor in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel has been linked with a move to McLaren. However, former Williams F1 driver Ralf Schumacher thinks his compatriot’s only other option aside from Ferrari is to swap teams with Lewis Hamilton. The reigning 6-time world champion is also out of contract at the end of the year. However, he may have an easier time penning a new contract.