Official: #Vettel to leave @ScuderiaFerrari at the end of 2020 season. #F1
Sebastian Vettel, #5, Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow, SF1000, tops the penultimate day of F1's 2020 Pre-Season Test at the Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya, Barcelona, Montmelo, Catalonia, Spain. Image credit to Ferrari.
Scuderia Ferrari have confirmed that Sebastian Vettel will part ways with the team at the end of the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship season.
Vettel and Team Principal Mattia Binotto had been locked in contract renewal talks for several months with the latter saying the four-time world champion was his number one choice to race alongside Charles Leclerc in 2021 and beyond.
However, the two were unable to agree terms on a new deal, leading to this morning’s official announcement.
“My relationship with Scuderia Ferrari will finish at the end of 2020,” explained Vettel. “In order to get the best possible results in this sport, it’s vital for all parties to work in perfect harmony.”
“The team and I have realised that there is no longer a common desire to stay together beyond the end of this season. Financial matters have played no part in this joint decision. That’s not the way I think when it comes to making certain choices and it never will be.” Credit to Ferrari for the quote.
“What’s been happening in these past few months has led many of us to reflect on what are our real priorities in life. One needs to use one’s imagination and to adopt a new approach to a situation that has changed. I myself will take the time I need to reflect on what really matters when it comes to my future.”
“Scuderia Ferrari occupies a special place in Formula 1 and I hope it gets all the success it deserves. Finally, I want to thank the whole Ferrari family and above all its “tifosi” all around the world, for the support they have given me over the years.”
“My immediate goal is to finish my long stint with Ferrari, in the hope of sharing some more beautiful moments together, to add to all those we have enjoyed so far.” Vettel concluded. Credit to Ferrari for the quote.
The German joined the Scuderia in 2015 replacing Fernando Alonso with the aim of bringing the world championship titles back to Maranello.
However, whilst Ferrari gave Vettel at times the car to challenge the dominant world champions Mercedes, it never really mounted a consistent fight against the Silver Arrows.
“On behalf of everyone at Ferrari, I want to thank Sebastian for his great professionalism and the human qualities he has displayed over these five years, during which we shared so many great moments.” Binotto added. “We have not yet managed to win a world title together, which would be a fifth for him, but we believe that we can still get a lot out of this unusual 2020 season.” Binotto concluded. Credit to Ferrari for the quote.
Charles Leclerc joined the Maranello-marque last season and immediately put the pressure on the German and came out on top, in terms of the World Driver’s Championship position, victories and pole positions, raising questions about Vettel’s status and future with the outfit.
Leclerc paid tribute to Vettel via his Twitter account:
It's been a huge honor for me to be your team mate. We've had some tense moments on tracks. Some very good ones and some others that didn't end as we both wanted, but there was always respect, even though it wasn't perceive this way from the outside.
1/2 pic.twitter.com/cN0E9t3huw— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc) May 12, 2020
https://twitter.com/Charles_Leclerc/status/1260104297120960512
Sadly, Vettel and Ferrari could not find a way forward, making this season – when it potentially gets under way will be the German’s last.
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