Rumors
Vettel to Mercedes? "His German passport definitely won't be an obstacle"
- Nicolás Quarles van Ufford
With Ferrari star Sebastian Vettel's contract up at the end of the year, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing advisor Dr Helmut Marko does not rule out Mercedes moving in for the German.
Vettel didn't have the best of years in 2019, winning just one Grand Prix while adding two pole positions, compared to teammate Charles Leclerc's seven poles and two wins.
Entering the final year of his deal, it could be a massive year ahead for the 32-year-old, with Marko explaining Vettel's achievements in F1 will make him too expensive for Red Bull to look into.
"Because of his four championships, Sebastian has financial demands for any contract," Marko explained to Auto Bild Motorsport.
"However, because we're tied long-term to Max Verstappen, which wasn't cheap, we won't have room for another large contract."
The Austrian thinks Vettel's big salary demands will form an obstacle for many teams, and it could make it difficult for him to find a seat at all.
"Sebastian is in a bit of a transfer trap. Ferrari has committed to Leclerc and we have to Verstappen. He [Vettel] has to prove himself in the upcoming season and I expect him to do so when he gets a car that suits his driving style. If he beats Leclerc, Ferrari has to consider him."
Marko also thinks Mercedes could always be an option, adding Vettel's German nationality is a bonus.
"It will be interesting then [if he beats Leclerc] for Mercedes, too. His German passport won't be an obstacle in that case."