Sebastian Vettel will no longer be seen in the Ferrari paddock. While speculation is rife on who will replace the German, there are also whispers that Mercedes are considering partnering Vettel with his rival for years, Lewis Hamilton, in what would be the most decorated line-up in F1 history.

The possibility of the pair, who have a total of 10 championship titles under their belt, racing together will no doubt make the 2021-22 season something that F1 fans would be looking forward to.

But that is not the only possibility that the world of F1 is looking at. A chance, though remote, is of Hamilton taking up Vettel’s place at Ferrari. Though, according to reports in the British media, it is far more likely that Vettel’s place will be taken by Carlos Sainz of McLaren. Sainz may then be replaced by Daniel Ricciardo from Renault.

Though Vettel’s next step is still unclear, a comment by Mercedes boss Toto Wolff hints at the fact that he is on their radar.

“Sebastian is a great driver, a major personality and an asset to any Formula One team,” Wolff had said on Tuesday. “When looking into the future, our first loyalty lies with the current Mercedes drivers but naturally we must take this development into consideration.”

Vettel’s contract talks broke down over the last few weeks, with 22-year-old Monegasque Charles Leclerc now the main man at the Scuderia. A source close to the Italians said: “They no longer believe in Sebastian.”

Vettel too admitted there was “no longer a common desire” to keep the relationship going.

The German may have other options for 2021. Other than Mercedes, there is interest from Racing Point/Aston Martin. Renault are another possibility.

As for Hamilton and the Ferrari link, the thread is thin. The Scuderia have signalled their intention to back Leclerc by signing him up over the winter on a five-year contract that retains him until 2024. They want Sainz, sources add, who is a decent but not a star driver, as a docile No. 2 in the style of Rubens Barrichello.

Sainz will also come relatively cheap at a salary of less than £10million a year, minimally a third of what they would have to pay Hamilton.

The six-time world champion’s Mercedes contract is due for renewal at the end of the season, but talks are now paused owing to the pandemic.