Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari contract talks to be "done soon"

Formula 1

Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari contract talks to be "done soon"

Vettel has spent his last six seasons with the Scuderia

Ian Parkes

Thursday 19 March 2020 13:42 Updated: 14:25

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Sebastian Vettel's new contract discussions with Ferrari will hopefully "be done soon", according to team principal Mattia Binotto.

Vettel's current agreement with the Scuderia is due to expire at the end of this season, which has resulted in considerable speculation as to the future of the four-time champion.

Renault has been mooted as a possible destination, although team principal Cyril Abiteboul has claimed he is "more inspired to work with the drivers of tomorrow than yesterday".

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The 32-year-old Vettel, though, could yet remain with Ferrari. Speaking to Formula1.com, Binotto said: “We have started discussing a new deal.

“It’s important we address it quite soon. It’s not something we will leave until the end of the season. It’s important for him and for ourselves to get clarity as soon as we can. Discussions are ongoing, and hopefully, that will be done soon."

Despite the current campaign in limbo because of the coronavirus pandemic, Binotto has described Vettel as being "in very good shape" and "focused" ahead of his latest battle with team-mate Charles Leclerc.

Although starting last season as Ferrari's number one driver, Vettel ended up being second best to the Monegasque by its end, finishing 24 points adrift of the 22-year-old in the drivers' standings.

"He knows he needs to do well," added Binotto.

"It’s a key moment of his career because whatever he may do at the start of the season will be important for his renewal. It’s in his hands. So I think he’s very motivated.

"Last year was important for him. Charles' performance took him by surprise. It’s not the case anymore, he knows where the benchmark is and he knows what he needs to do, so I think he has prepared himself very well through the winter.

"He spent last year trying to understand what went wrong and making sure he does better this year.”