Vettel, not Hamilton, Ferrari’s first choice for 2021: Mattia Binotto

Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto cleared the air on who would partner Charles Leclerc next year as he revealed Sebastian Vettel is Ferrari’s first choice on Tuesday, amid speculation that they want six times world champion, Lewis Hamilton.

The 32-year-old Vettel joined Ferrari in 2015 and the German driver’s contract will expire at the end of the upcoming season. It is to be noted that Vettel did not enjoy a very successful 2019 season as he was shadowed by Leclerc in the young Monegasque’s first year at Ferrari.

Vettel, the four-time F1 champion with Red Bull who is still seeking a first title with Ferrari since joining in 2015, won just one race and took two poles last year.

The Ferrari boss while interacting with media at the launch of the team’s new SF1000 car said,

“Seb is our first choice at the moment, it is something we are discussing with him, and we will continue discussing, but he is certainly our first option, our preference.”

When asked whether Hamilton will be a fallback option Binnoto clearly said that was not under consideration.

It is also to be noted that Ferrari unveiled his new SF 1000 car for the 2020 Formula One season at the Teatro Municipale Valli in Reggio Emilia, Italy. With this one-seat car, the team will begin the 1000th World Formula One Championship which will begin with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on 15 March. Ferrari hopes the SF 1000 will give their car drivers the title.

Ferrari’s diver Sebastian Vettel said,

“I love it. It looks very attractive. I am impatient to run it.”

While Leclerc is also eager to drive the new car and said

“I felt emotional when I saw it,”

“Now I can’t wait to be out on track and try it and to show all the work that has been done on this car. It’s going to be a great challenge.” the 22-year-old said.