Sebastian Vettel to leave Ferrari

Summary

Sebastian Vettel is set to leave Ferrari at the end of the 2020 Formula One season, marking the end of a significant era for both the driver and the team.

Abstract

The high-profile partnership between Sebastian Vettel and Scuderia Ferrari will conclude after the 2020 F1 season, as announced by Vettel himself. Despite months of contract negotiations, the four-time world champion and the iconic team have mutually agreed to part ways due to a lack of shared objectives for the future. The decision is not financially motivated but rather a reflection on personal priorities and the changing landscape of the sport. Vettel's departure has sparked speculation about the driver market for the 2021 season, with potential moves involving Carlos Sainz, Daniel Ricciardo, and Fernando Alonso

One of the most famous teams in F1 and one of the most popular drivers in the sport are parting ways at the end of 2020 F1 season, after Sebastian Vettel said that the current season would be his last with Ferrari.

Image Credits: Dan Istitene/Getty Images

Ferrari confirms Vettel will leave at end of 2020 Formula One season

Vettel will be leaving scuderia at the end of the year, throwing a number of possible scenarios for 2021 F1 season.

Vettel had been in talks about renewing his contract for months before the surprise announcement on Tuesday, and although reports suggested that he was not happy with the salary and duration that had been offered.

Vettel said “My relationship with Scuderia Ferrari will finish at the end of 2020. 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 realized that there is no longer a common desire to stay together beyond the end of this season.”

Also making clear that the decision was jointly taken by Ferrari and Seb and that there are no financial reasons of leaving the team.

“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. 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.”

Martin Brundle, a former British racing driver, best known as a Formula One driver and as a commentator for ITV Sport is looking forwards on the transfers taking place after this season ends.

Martin Said “I’ll take a punt on this. Sainz to Ferrari. Ricciardo to McLaren. Vettel or Alonso to Renault. I’ll miss Seb if he retires, quality guy, quality driver. A champion and an adult.”

The recent success of Charles Leclerc, has played a big part in the talks between Vettel and Ferrari. His performances have been pretty good and secured more points, positions and victories, than his teammate, and the developing rivalry was blamed for a collision between the pair at the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Leclerc said “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 perceived this way from the outside.”

After the announcement from Sebastian and Ferrari about parting ways, Charles Leclerc tweeted about his teammate

“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.”