A few days ago Vettel talked about Red Bull being on the way to achieving Ferrari-like "mythical status", and when I look back at the article I see once again this desire from him to be a Ferrari driver and it got me thinking about the rumoured pre-contract with Ferrari. Despite many denials from both sides, this rumour just won't go away, and probably won't disappear until Red Bull or Ferrari make an announcement. It was first revealed by the Independent and The Sunday Times on the day of the Monaco Grand Prix: The next day Andrew Benson revealed more information about this: To add fuel to the fire, we now know Massa did sign a one year contract, not something Ferrari or any top team do often. Given that Ferrari like making driver announcements at Monza, I'm going to assume the specific stage of the season that Benson talks about is the summer break. The chances of Ferrari being in the top three at that stage of the season are extremely likely, but not a guarantee - after all, this year at the summer break they were 4th. However being realistic if this is the only performance clause that Ferrari have to meet, the only thing that could stop Vettel going to Ferrari would be the performance-related clauses that Red Bull have with Vettel. After Webber re-signed with Red Bull, James Allen told us what he knew and it was consistent with what Benson had told us, specifically about performance related clauses for the 2013 season: That last comment makes me wonder, is the move to Ferrari inevitable? Perhaps if Red Bull can keep him under contract for 2014 the move to Ferrari will only be delayed by one more year? Around this time a number of reliable Italian sites confirmed that a deal between Vettel and Ferrari does exist. Some respected journalists have also mentioned it, notably the highly regarded Pino Allievi, who said "I think Ferrari has indeed contacted Vettel but I donât know exactly if there is an option or an agreement. [The parties have agreed to push ahead] if at the end of 2013 the conditions are good for Vettel, in the sense that Ferrari is in the first two or three positions, and if they (the conditions) are similarly good for Ferrari. In other words, he would not go to another team, because the first option is Ferrari" Andrew Benson mentions that the Vettel-Ferrari deal again in October, without revealing anything new. A sign of confidence maybe? James Allen went on to elaborate: Ferrari's response Although Ferrari have officially denied it, they've also hinted a few times that an Alonso-Vettel driver line up is a possibility in the future. Less than a month after the first rumours, Domenicali said that Alonso and Vettel "could easily co-exist together". After Monza rather than criticise Vettel for his defensive move on Alonso, Domenicali made some kind remarks about him - After saying that it was right to penalise Vettel, he said: "I'm also sure that Sebastian didn't have any intention of jeopardising Fernando's race: the German is a driver who is firm but fair". Did he say this because he knows he will be working with Vettel in the future? When the Horse Whisperer denied the story in October, it also dropped a hint that there may be truth in the story, saying: "At Ferrari there will be room for anyone who demonstrates they have the talent to drive a scarlet car and to work in harmony both with and for the team". On the same day Montezemolo was quoted as saying he did not want "two roosters in the same henhouse", but later hinted the door was open for Vettel, when clarifying his previous comments: "I was making a general point, there is room at Ferrari for anyone who shown he has the talent to drive the red car and knows how to work in harmony with the team" It seems as if Ferrari think the drivers would work well together regardless of who beats who, or at least the team are confident in their ability to manage the drivers so as to avoid a McLaren 2007 situation. If they think they can handle the egos of two top drivers, trying to sign Vettel would be a no-brainer for Ferrari. Vettel's contract with Red Bull A week after Vettel's contract extension with Red Bull was announced in 2011, Dietrich Mateschitz said that Vettel had an exit clause in his contract. When news broke of Vettel's option with Ferrari, Helmut Marko admitted that Vettel could leave Red Bull before his contract expires, saying: "2013 is fixed for us but, for 2014, there is a performance-related clause in his contract - for him and for the team. It depends on the championship rankings in 2013 but, if Vettel and Red Bull slip in the drivers' or constructors' championship, he could go elsewhere". This could explain why Red Bull were so keen on re-signing Webber (a reliable points scorer who can't beat Vettel) rather than someone like Hamilton, who could potentially be faster than Vettel and cause problems in the team. A few months later Marko changed his story, claiming Vettel had a "bulletproof" contract with the team for 2014 and that "there have never been any options or opt-outs". The article mentions German reports at the time which said that Vettel has 'get out' clauses. Presumably this is what Marko was responding to. Vettel's first contract with Red Bull was set to expire at the end of 2012 but a renewal was announced in March 2011 before the season started. Based on that, if we don't hear any announcements from Red Bull early next year, something is definitely going on. But there are already rumours that Vettel has signed until 2016.
It keeps coming up, so much I think something must exist, but what it consists of is anyone's guess, and the Massa contract compounds this. Whatever it is, Vettel is the one holding all the cards so to speak. If he dominates at Red Bull again in 2013, it's going to take a very special 2014 car to tempt Vettel to move. If Ferrari look like winning a title in 2013, it changes things completely.
The thing is; if Vettel does go to Ferrari and Webber retires (I think 2013 will be his last season) then there will be two vacant seats in arguably the best car.
I imagine that if Vettel leaves then Webber would try and get another year in the Red Bull. Could be a real chance at a championship, but I guess it depends on who replaces Vettel.. assuming he leaves in the first place.
1# I agree this will likely not die away until Seb does something, the longer he waits with a contract the more likely he is going to Ferrari. RBR have been reported to want to make him the highest paid driver on the grid, him winning the WDC has likely concreted the contract until the new 2015 season, the clause looks to be unbreakable now unless Seb can ask to leave still by DM who has repeated he won't stand in his way if he wanted to leave for Ferrari. 2# Indeed I found the 1 year contract for Massa weird, it seems to me this clause carries over every year for Seb joining Ferrari, not just for 2014. If RB **** up just once he can jump ship if he wanted, could be the reason why Massa on one year contracts, they're easy to break and cheaper to get out of. this could also be a purpose kick up the ass for Alonso every season to keep him pushing, think 2013 is his last chance IMO. 3# Long term 5-6 year wise yes it's likely inevitable, 1-3 years maybe not inevitable him staying with RBR. It depends how hard Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, Lotus can knock RBR off the top 3, Seb will want to keep winning WDC's (obviously) and 2014 is important to see who stands out. He could try Mercedes for a few years then jump to Ferrari when things settle, but 2014 will show who got a handle of the rules the quickest and he will stay or jump to another team whoever it is. If Renault produce the best engine, Seb will very likely stay with them and not go to Ferrari until something else comes up 5-7 years down the line. 4# Ferrari (might) be first choice, but they wont be the only teams trying to tap him up, it's no secret McLaren and (Mercedes) in particular have been trying to tap him up for years. For me it looks like a case cut Ferrari vs Mercedes battle to get Seb in 2014-15 to make a mega lineup which will make a killing car wise, Seb+Alonso or Seb+Lewis under 1 roof. The car maker who got that would make a massive bucket load and the publicity would be mega especially if Alonso wins the WDC next year, 2xTripleWDC's under one roof (Never happend before) with Ferrari = $$$$$$$. 5# It was a tad strange, but I think this deal has been in the making longer than Ferrari make on. Alonso developed some serious attitude problems towards Seb after 2011, nothing major of an insult but that he couldn't stop talking negative about him and trying to get into his head to prove to Ferrari he isn't up to the task or something. It's no secret that Seb has one massive temper on him even for a triple WDC and Alonso was the same and he wanted to expose that, underhanded but clever. Lewis IMO knew what was going on and road with it to try and unsettle Seb as they knew (publicity wise) Seb was now becoming a major threat since in this sport: Money = More power and influence which Ferrari want. Money wise it was likely Alonso and Lewis could influence a team around themselves majorly, since Schumacher was still around this weakened Seb's influence on the grid IMO and probably the reason why Schumacher finally retired, he was getting in the way of Sebs career and taking the limelight with his 7xWDC's 6# Very likely that was the "same kind of move" Lewis did to Alonso in 2007 to say "I'm not going to take crap from you buddy" so yeah...that was a message of intent that if Alonso knows what's good for him he will shut his mouth in future. After that it looked like Alonso stopped with the mind games on Seb, so it did work on both sides. It could also been a way for Alonso to "auto veto" Seb out by Alonso "proving" to Ferrari: "Hay look see that? I told you Seb cannot control his temper, I wont be able to work with him as he is uncontrollable you must keep him away from Ferrari until I retire " and then Alonso gets what he wants, complete backing from Ferrari until 2016. 7# Hmmm you could read it in a different way the (2 rooster) comparison could just be (No in team fighting whoever the drivers are) so the reason why it was started this early with these rumors and private chats was 1# Alonso and Seb would be prepared for it, if it went ahead. 2# They would know what is required of them to make this work from day one. 3# Both drivers are happy with their offers: (Entire equality with everything until impossible to win WDC). Also Montezemolo said: "But first Fernando should win the world title and then we will certainly not put anyone alongside him who would bother him." and the other "Ferrari chooses it's drivers not Alonso or any other driver" which is evident on how close to the wind Alonso is sailing already and how badly Ferrari want to win the titles back. Also Sky did a great interview with Montezemolo admitting Seb was the only other driver apart from Fernando they're interested in. 8# I agree Seb has no problems having a strong team mate, on equal ground so pairing with Alonso with the same rules as in RBR there should be no issues from Sebs side. It's just Alonso you have to worry about who likes to say he has no problem losing to another driver it's very likely he would be the first to start something since the past has shown his attitude to be toxic and Seb like he did at Monza will fight back and it will be 2007 again except worse since Seb isn't as forgiving as Lewis that's for sure... 9# Something is up at RBR changing comments like that especially Marko who is very outspoken but seemed really sharp and angry when this new contract for Seb for 2016 came up (almost like Seb possibly said no thanks to it), they don't want to lose sponsors to the team he is possibly going to, less painful to admit it's happening business 101 etc, it's smoother that way. They have been trying to extend it to 2016 since halfway into 2011, so RBR might be at a crossroads entering into 2014 and are desperate for stability and Seb is one piece to the puzzle, Webber, Newey, Horner, Key Personnel the other pieces. If Renault produce a rubbish engine, RBR might leave or just go quiet for a few years since they're on the board now and will rake in the money and then sell up to a big brand like VW or something. 10# Agree again but only Seb, Ferrari, RBR, Mercedes in that order know what is happening, it all depends who is the better team in 2014 and I don't think Seb would just jump to Ferrari if it meant a clear shot at a few more WDC's in RBR or Mercedes if they have an edge over the field. Unless of course Seb is happy with 3 WDC's and wants what is next important to him which is driving for Ferrari.
All the evidence points to the fact that an "option" (whatever that entails) does exist for Vettle to leave Red Bull. The option may be very simple in that if Ferrari ever offer him a contract he can go, or if the team performance are below a certain expectation that he can terminate an option year/years for A another team. It just so happens that the general public has put 2&2 together and made the assumption that Ferrari is the "A another team" and has the option directly, as opposed to Vettle maybe only considering Ferrari has an option because of his immense success with Red Bull to date - i.e. I dont need to drive to win anymore, I WANT to drive for the Red Team. For me, I would think that Vettle has his sights clearly on smashing every F1 record possible (something that was thought potentially 'impossible' after the Schuey era) and would structure any contract with either Red Bull or a future team around giving him the greatest opportunity to attain his quest for the GOAT. On that basis I believe that Vettle will have many clauses that allow him to terminate his contract if a better equiped team come calling who would give him the opportunity to continue on his way and smash further records, be it Ferrari, Mclaren, Merc, Lotus etc..... It just so happens that we feel that he would only consider Ferrari because of its heritage, but I believe Vettle would rather "Win first" than "look good first" and coupled with that small (but significant issue) of having a rather competitve driver already at Ferrari, I would imagine that Vettle would follow his common sense and stay well clear for the foreseeable future! In relation to Massa's 1 year deal, I have 2 theories; Firstly that there will be an option should Massa continue in his recent form and there being no suitable alternative for him to be retained for a further season. Secondly that they have their eye on a number of young talents that they wish to evaluate for another season eg Hulk etc... Time will tell....
Long argument short.. Unless RedBull fire Newey and/or hire the HRT design team to assist him.. he ain't leaving!
2 reasons why this won't happen 1. Ferrari don't do give equal billing to 2 drivers, there's always a number 1 and a number 2, it's their philosophy, ask Mansell. 2. Newey won't go to Ferrari as they won't give him the control he has at Red-bull, ergo Vettel won't go to Ferrari. I think he's more likely to join Mercedes, if he goes anywhere. I can't see Alonso wanting to be team-mates with someone who will beat him, whereas I think Hamilton would relish the challenge of proving he was the best. Hamilton/Vettel with Newey at Mercedes would be an exciting mix
Not sure if a Newey, Brawn relationship would work. Those 2 have history and not in the positive way...
Would love to see it happen, but I think that Vettel would only leave RBR to go to Ferrari if he let his heart rule over his head. If he's insecure enough to be bothered be the number of people in the sport who consider Alonso/Hamilton to be better than him (Which I don't think he his, did not let Alonso's mind games get to him) then he might feel the need to go to Ferrari to prove he is the very best and beat Alonso in equal machinery. Secondly there is the idea of him emulating his hero Schumacher by going to Ferrari and winning 7 WDC's. If he uses his head though he will realise to stay at RBR as long as the current technical staff stay (Newey) and know that relatively speaking he is the Number 1 at Red Bull and has the support of the team, he is far from guaranteed having that same advantage at Ferrari.
Latest comment by Helmut, seems he is trying to keep Seb on his side by "pointing out" that it got a bit ugly with Ferrari with regards to the flag gate and that Seb was likely "dissappointed" with how it turned out. Might be trying to change his mind in my opinion... The Advisory sports of Red Bull, Helmut Marko, believed that Sebastian Vettel will not forget the attitude of Ferrari with the controversy of his advancement to Jean-Eric Vergne in the Grand Prix of Brazil. The controversial videos of overtaking jumped to the network and in a matter of days thousands of fans questioned whether Sebastian Vettel was just champion. In addition, the Maranello increased "large ball" to ask the FIA clarification about what happened, which was finally declared as a legal maneuver. Situation that took Marko to meter cizaña between the current champion of the world and that it is rumored that it would be his next team in F1, Ferrari: "Sebastian has the memory of an elephant, remember everything. Remembers exactly how behaved Ferrari after the end", he told Sport Bild. Vettel says that you need to know to lose However, true Vettel you annoying all the controversy, since in a statement said that it should recognize your opponent and acknowledge his good work, something that did not make Ferrari immediately: "you don't want to lose, but you should still know how to do it. You have to respect your opponent and recognize good performance."
Marko is basically saying: Please Vettel, PLEASE don't leave me!! http://www.auto123.com/en/racing-ne...-never-forget-ferraris-behaviour?artid=150877 So much for that bulletproof contract.
That comment with Seb just doesn't link up with what Helmut said, I don't hear anger or resent to Ferrari for asking for a clarification from the FIA but a different subject with "regards to his future". We don't know if that comment was actually directed at Ferrari but for me, it's directed to Alonso and his league of keyboard warriors, saying he/they should respect their rivals more him/Mark/RBR. Nowhere do I see Seb insult Ferrari directly there, only Helmut spouting something like he always does and sooner or later he will forget what he said and say something else. Strangly I don't think McLaren came out saying "We didn't intend to diminish Kimi's WDC win" when there was **** being slung in 2007 that dragged on for months with regards to fuel. So that's saying something about Ferrari in a way "apologising" to Seb, but in the end they just wanted clarification and they have a right to do that. If they didn't and Seb did join Ferrari, rumours would fly around saying Ferrari conspired against Alonso etc etc... For their new "golden boy" and future prospects. Yes Seb has a memory but I don't think Ferrari said they would stop trying to beat him before that saga began even if he did sign for them and neither would Seb expect the other way round. If Seb leaves, Helmut fears the exit door I reckon as he still hasn't found a replacement for Seb come 2014-15 yet. He's trying his best to stay in the game while people like Horner, Newey and Dietrich would all be sad to see Seb go, they just don't sound as worried like (their job is on the line) if Seb does leave kind of way. That or RBR feel they don't need to produce young talent anymore when they could snap up anybody they wanted, take comment from Dietrich who said nothing would stop them getting Alonso or Lewis to replace Seb if he did leave.
