Renault seems only option Vettel: "Depends on how much money they can spend"

Martin Brundle thinks that Sebastian Vettel does not intend to stop in Formula 1, but at the same time the former driver notes that the options are very limited for the four-time world champion. Only Renault seems to be a serious option, but the question is whether Vettel and Renault see that for themselves.

"I do know Sebastian [Vettel] was talking to at least one team, so clearly retirement is not absolutely on his mind", said Brundle in conversation with Sky Sports. All the spots at Mercedes, Red Bull Racing, Ferrari and McLaren seem to be filled for 2021. Only Renault still has a vacancy, which means the choice isn't great for the 32-year-old driver.

"He's got to have a chance at Renault if he wants, that's a works team. But you'd worry going into the future", the Formula 1 commentator philosophises. "Renault will be lone rangers, they'll be the only people using Renault engines as of 2021."

Alonso or Vettel?

Someone who might be an even bigger option for Renault is Fernando Alonso. "I think Alonso is desperate to get back into Formula 1, he'll be throwing his hat in the ring somewhere", said Brundle, who is not so sure of the future of Vettel in the pinnacle of motorsport. "If I had to be money on it right now I think it might be Sebastian's swansong, but we don't know, and he's still got great speed. It depends how much money Renault have got to spend, and where Formula 1 finds itself after these difficult times."

In 2020 Vettel will be driving just ahead of Ferrari. That could be a spectacle, because the German can in principle go completely for his own chance at Ferrari. He has nothing more to lose. Vettel will undoubtedly think twice if he is asked by Ferrari to leave Charles Leclerc ahead.