Assuming the current top drivers are all locked in their current contracts for 2020, who the Scuderia should call to replace Vettel? I know this suggestion may sound funny, but Barrichello would immediately take the next flight to Italy if invited to drive again.
Max would get the job done. But it would be better for him to first get the job done at Red Bull. An uphill challenge against Mercedes whichever car he is piloting but he relishes a challenge. Sainz would be interesting.
Regardless of who replaces Vettel, the core issue of erratic team management will remain. An older, wiser, and mature Alonso is the best choice!
Those are choices of drivers who are currently available. Feel free to vote the fifth choice and suggest a name.
What about Felipe Massa? Younger than Raikkonen, still active, would come back to Ferrari in a heartbeat.
Since Vettel leaving would promote Leclerc to Number One status, the Scuderia has only to find a decent second driver. Why not try to lure Norris or Albon from their present job? They seem to be settling in F1 quite well in lesser teams, and already earn points. Also some say Russell was very good in F2, but has no chance to shine at Williams so why not give him a chance?
Any young, fast, and cheap driver would be good for Ferrari. Like Ocon, Norris etc. Building a dominant car is the most important thing to win the championship, not picking the drivers.
I think that Vettel could be a great number two. Without pressure he would perform better, and it would cheaper than firing him. Also in 2021 Ricciardo, Verstappen and others will be available, so it will be easier and cheaper to hire. Anyway, 2020 probably is going to be a transitional season, so there is no need to hurry and waste money. Now, the hard part is having a coffee with Vettel and explaining him "his new situation".
I'll be brave, Alexander Rossi. His contract is up at the end of this year and I think he is ready for F1 now (based on his Indy performances and mental maturity). I would not buy any of the other F1 drivers out of their contracts to move over to Ferrari, and don't know if two young drivers is the right solution.
Vettel had a real shot at the WDC last yr. The mistakes he made on the track were not because of the team. This year, were it not for the team, Charles would be ahead of Vettel in WDC pts.
Gerhard Berger as Team Principal. He knows the Business. On both sides of the Pitwall. The main problem of the Scuderia is not one of the drivers.
I think the biggest problem with Vettel is that he doesn't get that he's got a problem, and many here are reacting the same way: yes, the car is crap, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't try to avoid drivers' mistakes too.
Ricciardo - it's reported that his Renault contract has a get out of jail free clause of Ferrari or Mercedes come calling.
Rossi could replace at least half the drivers on the grid right now, in terms of talent. His biggest problem is he's "not from here."
I think that we must consider the current appalling state of Formula 1--the race outcomes are foregone conclusions, the race fans are bored with it and are finding other things to do besides following the sport. Liberty and the FIA need to dramatically change the picture to generate major media attention and get the masses to follow the races. The Return of Alonso would be just such a bombshell.