Sebastian Vettel's announcement with Ferrari opens the door to a busy summer and end of the season, as other drivers will be looking to fill the various seats that will become available due to the chain of signings that this move will trigger. Among the names and rumors circulating is a possible return for Fernando Alonso , although I don't think that will happen. Despite the champion saying he knows exactly what he'll be doing in 2021 , he has already made it clear that he's motivated by the regulation changes, which, due to the coronavirus, will be delayed until 2023.
Another rumor that's becoming a reality is the signing of Carlos Sainz Jr. by Ferrari . The Madrid native would be tasked with replacing Vettel, so there could be another Spaniard in red at Maranello. Carlos Sainz Sr. himself said things were moving quickly, and Antonio Lobato said that only a few details remained to be finalized in the contract and that it would be officially announced within hours. Therefore, the rumor is gaining momentum, and it's likely that the agreement will be confirmed sooner rather than later. To top it all off, Piero Ferrari has said that " A young driver with experience would be good... " something that fits Sainz perfectly.
The other names that were rumored were Daniel Ricciardo, Fernando Alonso, Nico Hulkenberg, and Antonio Giovinazzi. But I see some problems with these names getting a seat at Ferrari. First, I don't think Fernando Alonso will return, Nico's situation is complicated, and Antonio isn't yet at the level required to go to Ferrari. Daniel would be the best positioned, along with Sainz.
Martin Brundle has stirred up controversy again with further statements claiming that Fernando Alonso will return to Renault in 2021, as he stated a few months ago. But, I repeat, I think this is highly unlikely.
Transfer possibilities for the 1 F2021 driver market
The possibilities would be the following (from most likely to least likely):
- Sebastian Vettel is leaving F1 and his seat is taken by Carlos Sainz. Daniel Ricciardo fills the gap at McLaren. And it is possible that Nico Hulkenberg, who dreams of returning, will take up the position at Renault again.
- Sebastian Vettel is leaving F1 and his seat is taken by Daniel Ricciardo. In that case, Carlos Sainz would remain at McLaren and Daniel's place would have to be filled. Nico?
- Sebastian Vettel is leaving Ferrari but wants to stay in F1. Then the position left at Maranello would be filled by Carlos Sainz and perhaps Sebastian Vettel would go to McLaren.
- Other more remote possibilities contemplate somewhat rarer scenarios, such as that they can choose Antonio for Ferrari, in which case there would be a gap in Sauber that I do not think is attractive for Daniel, or for Carlos, or for Vettel.