The news of the separation between Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari had already been advanced for a few days and the joint statement from Vettel and Ferrari released this morning confirmed the suspicions.
The link between the four-time Formula 1 world champion and Ferrari — which has lasted since 2015 — will thus end at the end of the season after negotiations to renew Vettel's contract failed.
In the statement, Mattia Binotto, director of the Italian team said: “it was not an easy decision (…) there was no specific reason behind this decision, apart from the common and friendly belief that the time had come to go our separate ways to reach the goals. our respective goals”.
Vettel says: “my association with Scuderia Ferrari will end at the end of 2020. In this sport, to get the best possible results it is vital that all parts work in perfect harmony. The team and I realize that there is no longer a common desire to stay together beyond the end of the season.”
the reason for the separation
Also in the same communiqué, Sebastian Vettel made a point of emphasizing that monetary issues were not behind this decision.Subscribe to our newsletter
This statement leaves in the air the idea that Vettel's departure from Ferrari may have been motivated by the German's loss of influence within the team, especially after the arrival of Charles Leclerc.
What comes next?
Vettel's departure from Ferrari still raises some questions: who will replace him? Where will the German go? Will he leave Formula 1?
Starting with the first, although the idea of Hamilton moving to Ferrari has long been discussed, the truth is that Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo are the two names that seem to be closer to joining the team.
As for the other two issues, in the communiqué now released, Vettel says “I will take the time to reflect on what really matters for my future”, leaving the possibility of considering the reform in the air.
Another possibility would be to do the same as Alonso did when he left Ferrari and join a team in the middle of the table.
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