Luca di Montezemolo has described Sebastian Vettel as the ‘perfect’ candidate for a future drive at Ferrari, praising his talents after claiming the 2012 title. The German, who recently pledged his loyalty to Red Bull, has been highlighted by the Scuderia’s President as a replacement for Fernando Alonso when the latter retires.

“Between all the drivers, Vettel and Hamilton could be perfect for Ferrari in the future, with one difference – Vettel is younger,” 65-year-old di Montezemolo is quoted as saying by The Independent. “First of all, of all the drivers, we have the best – in terms of speed, intelligence in the race, and a capability to work with the team. When you have the best driver you have to put him in the best condition to succeed, to win and have a good environment without peer troubles.

“But if Alonso decided to go to live in Hawaii with the girlfriend, I have no doubt that for human and professional reasons (I would choose) Vettel. He would be very good for us. I like Vettel, he is not presumptuous. He wants to win but he is not arrogant.

“Michael (Schumacher) told me many years ago that coming from karts, Vettel had the most potential of any young driver and he was right.”

Alonso’s current Ferrari contract runs through 2016, with di Montezemolo recently explaining that he does not want ‘two roosters in the hen house’ at the same time.