Vettel not signed for 2018

[Scott]

Marchionne let it be known in the paddock that he would like to re-sign Vettel, but his wording was a bit odd, and I wonder if that isn't a bit contentious.  "I made it very clear that if he wants to stay then we'll just renew" to me sounds like there is no room for further negotiation.  I suspect Vettel is looking for a raise, or some other variables changed in his contract, so simply renewing isn't doing it for him.

https://www.pitpass.com/59578/Ferrari-waiting-on-Vettel

[Jericoke]

There is a glut of top level talent in F1

In the right car Vettel, Hamilton, Bottas, MV, DR and of course Alonso* are potential champions.

The next tier down, including Kimi, Grosjean and Perez*, would need a little luck to win championships in a top car, but it wouldn't be far fetched.

Ferrari doesn't need Vettel.  He doesn't seem to provide a German fan base the way Schumacher did, so while they're happy to have a competitive driver, they can probably find one who brings a bigger fan base for less money.

*Feel free to debate my lists: my point is, Vettel isn't a rare dominant driver, he's simply amongst the luckiest of a growing bunch of highly skilled drivers.

[cosworth151]

Maybe Vettel wants veto power over the choice of the second driver.

[Scott]

Sergio already said he won't re-sign Alonso and that Alonso's management made enquiries, so maybe all the gossip is just negotiating ploys.

[Jericoke]

Sergio already said he won't re-sign Alonso and that Alonso's management made enquiries, so maybe all the gossip is just negotiating ploys.

Even so, Alonso's availability leaves Vettel with less negotiating power with other teams, even if he won't go to Ferrari.  If he can't get a better deal elsewhere, Ferrari wouldn't have to offer him a better deal to stay.

[Scott]

It could work both ways.  Sending Alonso packing could mean a different ride is not available for Vettel, but suggesting that Alonso is still on the radar would also make Vettel's management nervous about not getting the Ferrari deal that they want, and if Bottas keeps showing up brilliant, then Merc won't even need the German.  Maybe Ferrari and RBR should just trade Vettel back for Verstappen.  He keeps breaking his toys.

[Andy B]

Lewis to Ferrari.
Bottas to Ferrari.
Vettel to Mercedes.
Alonso to Mercedes.

Just thinking out loud!