Sebastian Vettel

The four-time champion failed to win a single race in a thoroughly disappointing year at Ferrari. Vettel, 29, has one more season to run on his current deal, but could an early release be negotiated? The switch to Mercedes will be an appealing one to Vettel, and for the German constructor, too. Vettel versus Hamilton — the two best drivers of their generation — also has the hallmarks of a mouth-watering rivalry.

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