Speaking before the Austrian Grand Prix for the first time since it was announced that he would leave Ferrari at the end of the season, Vettel offered a new light on the circumstances surrounding his departure.
And he has said that he and Ferrari never had talks about a contract and that they never offered him a deal.
When asked what a point of conflict with Ferrari had been, Vettel said: “There was no point of conflict. It was obviously a surprise to me when I got the call from Mattia, when he told me that there was no further intention from the team to continue.
“We never had discussions, there was never an offer on the table, and therefore there was no point of conflict.”
Vettel says he hasn’t had conversations with any other team yet about a potential seat for next year, and says he would be prepared to walk away from F1 if he can’t find an environment he’s happy with.
“Right now I am not having any [talks], “he explained.” Obviously, looking forward, I want to make sure I make the right decision for myself and my future.
“I think I have a very competitive nature. I have accomplished a lot in sports and I am motivated and willing to achieve more. To do this I think I need the right package and the right people around me. So that’s what I’m looking for right now.
“If the right opportunity arose, I think it’s pretty clear. If that’s not the case, then you probably have to find something else. “
Vettel also made it clear that he would not play and would announce the end of his F1 career if he did not commit to doing so.
“If the right thing comes together and comes up, then I’m willing to continue,” he said. “I feel like I have so much more to give. If that’s not the case and it doesn’t come together, then like I said, [it’s] It is probably time to do something else.
“I am convinced that if you are prepared to close the door, then you must be prepared to close that door, and not close it and wait for it to reopen.
“I think you should be aware of the decision you are making at that moment, and that is why I am not rushing anything either.
“I think it is good to start the season, but the coming weeks and months will probably bring more clarity.”
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