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Sebastian Vettel’s future in Formula 1 beyond the end of 2020 has been questioned after it was announced that the German and Ferrari will be separated by the end of the year …
Vettel and Ferrari have been in talks for several months about an extension, and team principal Mattia Binotto said the four-time world champion was his number one choice to compete alongside Charles Leclerc next year.
However, they have been unable to agree on the terms of a new agreement, leading to today’s announcement.
“My relationship with Scuderia Ferrari will end in late 2020,” said Vettel. “To obtain the best possible results in this sport, it is vital that all parties 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. Financial affairs have played no part in this joint decision. That’s not the way I think when it comes to making certain decisions, and it never will be.
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“What has been happening in recent months has led many of us to reflect on what our real priorities are in life. One needs to use his imagination and take a new approach to a situation that has changed. I will take myself the time I need to reflect on what really matters when it comes to my future.
“The Scuderia Ferrari occupies a special place in Formula 1 and I hope that it will get all the success it deserves. Finally, I want to thank the entire Ferrari family and, above all, their “tifosi” around the world, for the support they have given me over the years.
“My immediate goal is to end my long season with Ferrari, hoping to share some more beautiful moments together, to add to all the ones we’ve enjoyed so far.”
Sebastian Vettel, in his own words.
Binotto added: “This is a decision taken jointly by us and Sebastián, which both parties consider to be the best. It was not an easy decision to reach, given Sebastián’s value as a driver and as a person.”
“There was no specific reason leading to this decision, other than the common and friendly belief that the time had come to go our separate ways to achieve our respective goals.
“Sebastian is already part of the history of the Scuderia, with his 14 Grands Prix winning making him the third most successful driver on the team, while he is also the one who has accumulated the most points with us.”
READ MORE: “We appreciate it very much” – Binotto reiterates Ferrari’s love for Vettel
“In our five years together, he has finished three times in the top three of the Drivers ‘Championship, making a significant contribution to the team’s continued presence in the top three of the Constructors’ standings.”
“On behalf of everyone at Ferrari, I want to thank Sebastian for his great professionalism and the human qualities he has demonstrated during these five years, during which we shared so many great moments.
“We still haven’t managed to win a world title together, which would be a fifth for him, but we believe we can still get a lot out of this unusual 2020 season.”
Vettel joined Ferrari in 2015, entering Fernando Alonso’s cabin, with the sole objective of returning the success of the world championship to Scuderia.
However, although Ferrari sometimes gave him a car to challenge at the top, they were never able to mount a serious and constant challenge for Mercedes world champions.
Charles Leclerc joined the team last year and immediately pushed and finally reached the top, in terms of championship standings, wins and poles, raising questions about Vettel’s position and the team’s future.
Ultimately, Vettel and Ferrari couldn’t agree on a way forward, making this season, when it finally begins, the last of the German with Ferrari.
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