Ferrari In Talks With Carlos Sainz As Sebastian Vettel's Replacement

Sebastian Vettel is into his last season with Ferrari and they are reportedly in talks with McLaren driver Carlos Sainz as his replacement for 2021 season.

Contract renewal talks between Sebastian and Ferrari finally broke down on Wednesday, culminating in his exit which the team's boss Mattia Binotto said was the "best decision" they could reach with their driver considering his worth.

While Sainz is set to leave his team for Ferrari at the end of the season, former Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo is the driver speculated to be his replacement. Meanwhile, Ricciardo has been expressive of his desire to leave Renault at the end of his contract and has been eyeing a switch to McLaren.

Ferrari's job could have been a slot for Lewis Hamilton to pick up had Mercedes ruled out extending his contract at the end this season. Hamilton was favoured for the role by Ferrari last year when Mercedes was yet to decide on his future.

Ferrari already has confidence in Charles Leclerc who will be the team's lead drive. The Monegasque gave both Sebastian and the Mercedes duo - Hamilton and Valterri Bottas - a good fight last season winning three pole positions in a row but failed to complete podium hat-trick in Singapore Grand Prix which he lost to Sebastian.

Should Ferrari sign a deal with Sainz, he will be the supporting driver for already established driver Leclerc who finished in the fourth position in his debut season with Ferrari.