"I don't expect news within the next two weeks," says Vettel on Ferrari future - but Maranello stay still thought to be likely outcome
Monday 28 August 2017 08:23, UK
Sebastian Vettel does not expect an announcement on his Ferrari future before the team's home Italian GP next week - but hinted his 2018 plans will be revealed soon.
The championship leader has insisted all season that his focus is on the team's title battle with Mercedes rather than extending his own contract, which expires in December.
But Ferrari's announcement this week that Kimi Raikkonen has signed another one-year extension has put the spotlight back on the 2018's plans of their lead driver ahead of this weekend's Belgian GP.
Asked on Thursday if an announcement could be expected 'soon', Vettel replied "yeah", before adding the caveat that "soon can depend who you ask".
"But there's no news yet and the main focus now is not to focus on news, the main focus now is to focus on the race and that will be the same next week," he added.
"So I don't expect news within the next two weeks, to be honest."
Despite speculation Vettel could be holding out for a switch to Mercedes in either 2018 or 2019, Sky Sports in Italy believes the four-time world champion is set to extend his stay at Maranello.
If an announcement is not made to coincide with the Scuderia's home Monza race on September 1-3, then Vettel's stay could be confirmed the following week when Ferrari hold events in Italy to mark the company's 70th anniversary.
Raikkonen deal points to Vettel stay?
Although Raikkonen has yet to win a race since returning to Ferrari in 2014, the former world champion was thought likely to be handed another 12-month renewal after heading into the summer break with back-to-back podium finishes.
His friendly, apolitical relationship with Vettel is another factor in his favour and the German has long championed the Finn's cause, making clear Raikkonen remains his preferred team-mate.
And asked in his media interview session at Spa to rate his influence on Ferrari's Raikkonen decision between one and 10, Vettel confirmed he was consulted and acknowledged his view may have played a role.
"I'd never say 10. I wouldn't say zero because when they asked me obviously I said I'll be happy to keep going," he said.
"I have no problem with Kimi. I don't know if that influenced the decision, you'd have to ask Maurizio [Arrivabene]. Maybe [by] one."
The view from Italy on Vettel's future
Sky Italy's F1 commentator Carlo Vanzini: "I don't believe that Seb will agree to only a one-year deal at Ferrari. Why? At the moment his driving his dream and he wants to win the championship with Ferrari.
"It's not certain that Mercedes will be always at the top or always be better than Ferrari.
"The contract is done and I think it's for at least two years with the option of a further one.
"Of course, when Ferrari make the announcement they could also say that it is a new deal for 2018 without specifying how long it runs for…"
