Vettel and Ferrari will go their separate way at the end of season

SEBASTIAN Vettel revealed there was “no longer a common desire to stay together” after it was announced he would leave Ferrari at the end of the 2020 Formula One season.

Vettel won four successive world titles with Red Bull and it was anticipated he would add to his haul on j oining Ferrari i n 2015 but the German has been largely overshadowed by Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton.

C h a r l e s L e c l e r c ’s successful debut season at the Scuderia last year heaped more pressure on Vettel, who nevertheless had outlined his intention to extend his stay beyond the end of this year.

However, it was reported on Monday evening that contract talks had broken down without a resolution and Ferrari announced early yesterday morning a mutual agreement had been reached to part ways.

Vettel said on Ferrari’s website: “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 realised that there is no longer a common desire to stay together beyond the end of this season.

“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.”

McLaren’s Carlos Sainz is believed to be among a number of drivers already linked to Vettel’s seat.

Sebastian Vettel