The surprise announcement that Sebastian Vettel is to leave Ferrari has sparked a rush to replace him for the 2021 Formula 1 season.
Vettel's time with Ferrari will come to an end after he failed to reach an agreement to extend his contract beyond the current season, which is yet to get underway due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Charles Leclerc will remain at Ferrari into next year, but who will replace Vettel and become his new team-mate?
Current McLaren driver Carlos Sainz is an odds-on favourite to make the switch with Renault driver Daniel Ricciardo, a former team-mate of Vettel at Red Bull Racing, the other most likely candidate to join Ferrari.
Reigning world champion Lewis Hamilton is being touted by bookmakers as a potential to leap from Mercedes, while Nico Hulkenberg is a possible to return to F1.
Ex-Ferrari drivers Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen have been placed prominently in the betting markets to return to Ferrari and support young talent Leclerc.
A possible wild card appointment would be Mick Schumacher, son of Ferrari legend Michael. The young German has been impressive in moving through the motor racing ranks and could be part of a fairytale story if he replaces Vettel.
Next Ferrari Driver FAQs
- Why is Sebastian Vettel leaving Ferrari?
Vettel has failed to reach an agreement to extend his contract beyond the 2020 season?
- Is Charles Leclerc staying at Ferrari?
Yes. He will be with the team in 2021.
- Who will replace Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari?
Carlos Sainz is the favourite to get the seat. Daniel Ricciardo, Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hulkenberg are also prominent in the betting. Mick Schumacher could follow in the footsteps of his father.