F1: ‘don’t write off Sebastian Vettel’, says Mercedes chief Toto Wolff

Wolff backs Vettel

Sebastian Vettel had a race to forget at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix last weekend but the Ferrari driver is being tipped to bounce back by Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.

Quoted by RaceFans.net, Wolff said after the race at Monza: “I would just say don’t write him off. Because he’s a four-time world champion and the difference between the great ones and the good ones is that the great ones are able to get back up again. And I have no doubt that he can do that.

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“He had a spell of bad races and now it will be about the ability to get himself back where he deserves to be and today for sure is a bad day for him.”

No Mercedes return clause for Ocon

RaceFans.net also reports that Esteban Ocon will not have a Mercedes return clause in his deal at Renault.

Frenchman Ocon is currently reserve driver at the Silver Arrows but from next season he will link up with Renault as Daniel Ricciardo’s team-mate.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “No, there is no clause. He is a full-fledged Renault works driver for the next two years and with certain option afterwards on both sides. No clause to come back in 2021.”

Red Bull decisions after US GP

Red Bull Racing will decide who will drive for the team in 2020 after the F1 United States Grand Prix on 3 November.

They have already made a change in mid-season with Alex Albon replacing Pierre Gasly, who has been demoted back to Toro Rosso.

F1i.com reports that while Max Verstappen’s seat for next season is “signed and sealed” it will likely be a straight shoot-out between Albon and Gasly as to who will be his team-mate.

Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko told Speedweek: “We will evaluate who will drive where in 2020 after the race in America.”