VETTEL TO LEAVE FERRARI

Sebastian Vettel is to leave Ferrari at the end of 2020 after failing to agree new contract terms with Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto. The Scuderia said the decision was mutual and “not easy to reach, given Sebastian’s worth as a driver and as a person”. Binnotto said: “The time had come to go our separate ways in order to reach our respective objectives.”

Vettel is quoted as saying there was “no longer a common desire” for him and Ferrari to work together. Vettel, a four-time world champion, stated: “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. In order to get the best possible results in this sport, it’s vital for all parties to work in perfect harmony.”

Vettel’s future remains uncertain with no obvious offers of a drive currently on the table. Although still one of the biggest names in Formula 1, the likely high wage demands for his services and only a few teams possibly able meet those demands has fuelled rumours that 2020 could be Vettel’s final season in Formula 1, with him possibly considering full retirement. Vettel added: “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.”

Vettel’s team-mate Charles Leclerc, said: “It’s been a huge honour for me to be his team mate. We’ve had some tense moments on track. Some very good ones and some others that didn’t end as we both wanted, but there has always been respect, even though it wasn’t perceived this way from the outside.”

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