Ferrari, Vettel distances Mercedes: "You know well that I already have a contract"

On the sidelines of the Ferrari World Finals staged in Daytona, Sebastian Vettel spoke to talk about his contractual situation and the Scuderia. The German denied the rumors that he was among the candidates for the seat vacated by world champion Nico Rosberg, explaining that on balance he was contractually protected.

“You know well, it's certainly no secret, that Raikkonen and I have an existing contract for next season. I'm armored - explained Sebastian, who then continued - I'm more confident about 2017, I'm sure we'll show up on the track with a better package, the work in the factory in these months will count a lot. I can only wish Rosberg a good holiday..." 

Scuderia president Sergio Marchionne also spoke on the drivers issue, but remained rather vague regarding 2018: “The story of the vacancy in Mercedes does not affect us closely - the president said - We have both drivers under contract for 2017. I don't know what will happen after that, it will all depend on how we approach next season, with another 2016 I think it will be difficult to convince drivers of a certain caliber to drive for us..."

Marchionne, therefore, implicitly admitted that another disastrous year, with a Ferrari far from the record, could lead Sebastian to change his tune. However, there is no danger for 2017, even if Vettel remained somewhat tight-lipped about the future, responding in a rather diplomatic way. After all, if you dream of another woman, you don't tell everyone on your wife's birthday…

Antonino Rendina