This archive report was first published on 15 June 2020.
Published on June 15, 2020, Sebastian Vettel has been told to take a year away from Formula 1 and assess his options for a potential return in 2022.
Following his departure from Ferrari in 2021, Vettel's options for his next move appear limited. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has consistently refused to rule out the four-time World Champion joining the Silver Arrows, but current Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas has made it clear that Vettel is not an option.
Red Bull, meanwhile, are not interested in a Vettel reunion, and it is believed that a move to Renault would not be appealing to Vettel, as he does not want to drop down into Formula 1's midfield.
Former Formula 1 owner Bernie Ecclestone, a close friend of Vettel's, has advised him to take a year off and reassess his options for 2022.
“He should take a year off and then position himself for 2022,” Ecclestone told F1-Insider.
Ecclestone also expressed doubts about Vettel's chances of winning a World Championship title with Ferrari, stating, “I don’t see Ferrari as a favourite,” and adding, “And even if they were level with Mercedes and Red Bull, why should Ferrari be interested if Vettel wins and beats the guy who is going to be there for years and then he goes? That doesn’t make sense.”
