New Alonso deal not Ferrari lock-out – Vettel
The reigning world champion has said many times that he would like to join Ferrari one day, but the presence of Alonso through 2016 – an extended contract that was announced on Thursday – would seem to make that unlikely in the foreseeable future.
German Vettel, however – whose own Red Bull contract extends through 2014 – said in Barcelona that Ferrari is still an option.
"I never said it's impossible (to go there) if Fernando, Felipe Massa or anyone else is there. I know a team is always two drivers," the 23-year-old runaway championship leader is quoted by the German news agency SID.
"But I'm not making any headlines; I'm happy where I am right now," Vettel insisted.
Spaniard Alonso, meanwhile, warned that his new five-year deal could ultimately be extended even further.
"By the end of 2016, I will have been with Ferrari for seven years and maybe for 2017 I can sign another contract with Ferrari if I am not too old and if they are still happy with me," he laughed on Thursday.