MUNICH - The race for one of the hottest seats in Formula One
could be over before it has really begun with Carlos Sainz tipped to
replace Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari, according to media reports on
Wednesday.
The 25-year-old Spaniard Sainz will leave his current McLaren team to
be confirmed at Ferrari this week according to broadcasters RTL/ntv
and the motorsport-total website.
Neither Ferrari or McLaren wanted to comment to dpa on speculation.
Sainz would partner Charles Leclerc at the Scuderia from 2021 after
Vettel completes his contract this season - whenever that starts and
concludes due to coronavirus delays.
Vettel and Ferrari said Tuesday that 2020 would be the last of six
seasons together.
Separate reports said Australian Daniel Ricciardo would leave Renault
to replace Sainz, who has yet to win a grand prix, at McLaren.
Ricciardo and Alfa Romeo's Antonio Giovinazzi were also considered
options by Ferrari.
Four-time world champion Vettel has said he will take time to
consider his future and it is not certain he will remain in F1 beyond
this season.
Formula One hopes to start the season with the Austrian Grand Prix on
July 5 after the global pandemic forced the cancellation or
postponement of 10 races.