This archive report was first published on 14 May 2020.
Sebastian Vettel's departure from Ferrari has sparked intense speculation about his replacement, with Carlos Sainz emerging as the top contender. The 25-year-old Spaniard has been in talks with Ferrari, and an announcement is expected this week.
According to reports, Sainz will join Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc in 2021, replacing Vettel who announced his departure on Tuesday. The German driver's contract talks with Ferrari broke down, and he is quitting the team after being outshone by Leclerc last season.
It's understood that Ferrari were offering Vettel a one-year extension at a significantly reduced salary, but he has opted to leave the team. Sainz, who has previously driven for Red Bull's feeder team Torro Rosso and Renault, impressed with McLaren last season, securing the team's first podium place in almost six years.
With Sainz set to join Ferrari, any lingering speculation about Lewis Hamilton leaving Mercedes for Ferrari has been put to rest. The Formula One season is set to open in Austria on July 5 and 12, with back-to-back races.
