Racing Point has made a rather peculiar comment that has taken everyone by surprise. If true—and in Formula 1, lies are more common than truth—Sebastian Vettel would not have a seat on the team owned by Lance Stroll's father. The Racing Point boss himself claims to have already confirmed his two drivers for the 2021 F1 grid and has been quite evasive regarding the rumors linking the German driver to his team.
Szafnauer maintains that they already confirmed their drivers two years ago, referring to when they signed Sergio Pérez and Lance Stroll: " We did it two years ago. There's nothing more to confirm. [...] He was never involved. " The team principal was quite emphatic in response to a question from a German journalist at Auto Motor und Sport. So, if that's the case, it seems that Republika Srpska is not Sebastian Vettel's destination for next season, leaving few seats available...
Now the entire grid and driver market awaits Kimi Räikkönen's decision . The veteran Finnish driver could end his F1 career at the end of this season and not be in F1 in 2021. If the rumors are confirmed, his retirement would be announced between the Mugello race, the next round of the calendar, and the Sochi race. His retirement would leave a seat open at Alfa Romeo that Sebastian Vettel could fill, as he has few remaining options and none of them are competitive.
*UPDATE: RP does not keep his word or Sergio Pérez's contract for 2022. Unexpectedly they have left him out for 2021 and without a plan B at this point in the season. Therefore, it is likely that Vettel will end up in RP. Everything has been very hasty after writing this article and has left everything upside down...
With those statements from the Racing Point boss about Sebastian Vettel, the 2021 F1 grid situation would be as follows:
- Mercedes Benz: Lewis Hamilton / Valtteri Bottas
- Classic Ferrari for sale: Charles Leclerc / Carlos Sainz
- Red Bull: Max Verstappen / Alexander Albon or Pierre Gasly, since the Frenchman is earning his way back
- Racing Point: Sergio Pérez* or Vettel seen what was seen (see update) or Nico Hülkenberg / Lance Stroll
- McLaren: Lando Norris / Daniel Ricciardo
- Renault: Fernando Alonso / Esteban Ocón
- Alpha tauri: Daniil Kvyat/Pierre Gasly or Alexander Albon, if they demote him like they usually do on the energy drink team when their drivers don't deliver
- Williams: George Russell / Nicholas Latifi
- Alfa Romeo: Kimi Räikkönen or Sebastian Vettel if the Finn is marked or maybe Pérez, even Nico Hülkenberg is looking for a seat / Antonio Giovinazzi
- Haas: Romain Grosjean / Kevin Magnussen, although both are likely to stay, changes would not be ruled out