Binotto: Vettel 'is our first choice at the moment'

Mattia Binotto confirms that Sebastian Vettel is still the first choice for Ferrari over Lewis Hamilton but that Ferrari will take the their time to make a decision on their future lineup.

Speaking at the launch of the Ferrari SF1000 in the Romolo Valli Municipal Theatre, team boss Binotto addressed the rumours that his team could be interested in signing the six-time champion should Vettel fail to perform in 2020.

“I think Seb is our first choice at the moment, and obviously it's something we are discussing with him and we will continue discussing, but he's certainly our first option, our preference at the moment. "It will take the time that is needed. Obviously now we are focused on the car, we are focused on what will be the winter testing and the first races, and there will be a proper time for the rest."

Vettel also had his say on the story adding, "If you compare to three years ago, I didn't have a contract until August, so strictly speaking I was out of business half a year before the season finished. So, I don't think it changes much.

"As I said, you're obviously focused on what's going on in the moment. At some point obviously you have to sort out what's going on in the future. But I think we'll have enough time to do so."

After making several high profile errors across the past two years, Vettel has found himself under pressure to keep his Ferrari drive past the 2020 season.

Ferrari explain how new SF1000 car is 'extreme'Read more

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