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Sebastian Vettel may already have a "pre-agreement" to switch to Mercedes for 2018. That is the claim of well-known F1 media insider Leo Turrini, who is notoriously close to Ferrari. Although leading the world championship, German Vettel - whose Ferrari contract expires late this year - is rumoured to be in talks with Mercedes.
"Of course they're talking with Vettel," said paddock sage Eddie Jordan. Turrini, who publishes on his Quotidiano blog in Italian, agrees. "It is no secret to anyone that after Rosberg's retirement, Mercedes contacted Seb," he said. "During the pre-season test in Barcelona, Niki Lauda told friends confidentially that Vettel has a pre-agreement with the Germans for next season."
But Turrini said Ferrari subsequently surprised with its strong pace, and therefore could ink a new deal with the quadruple world champion for 2018 and beyond. (GMM)
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (5)
Login to replyWolfgang
Posts: 313
i can´t believe Vettel is willing to go to Mercedes. Even if he looses this years title to Bottas/Hamilton i can´t imagine him leaving Ferrari.
His mentality and his character are telling a complete different story.
mbmwe36
Posts: 533
Agreed! It would have been one thing if Mercedes (yet again) dominated Ferrari this year. Then I could kinda sorta see it happening. But if Ferrari is competitive, I don't see him changing teams in the forseeable future, unless maybe he gets a teammate that annoys him.
Vet5
Posts: 225
I think it may be true, but don't worry, i'm not one of these half wits that believe everything. I think it may be true due to Ferrari not extending his contract until the end of the season, so maybe Vettel has done this to say something bold to Marchionne
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Vettel isnt stupid, he will go to the team with the best conditions for him. As of now, I think its more likely that he will stay with Ferrari: the car is performing well, he is happy with his team mate, and he has managed to build Ferrari around him. Alot point towards him staying.
mclarenfan1968
Posts: 1,027
Only fools will buy this crap. this is pure Merc FUD designed to destabilize Ferrari. Leo Turrini is a journalist and for the right pay he will pull anything out of his butt. Many think he is a Ferrari fanboy this however couldn't be farther from the truth.