Vettel: No desire to stay with Ferrari

SEBASTIAN Vettel revealed there was ‘no longer a common desire to stay together’ after it was announced he will leave Ferrari at the end of the season.

The German won four successive world titles with Red Bull and it was anticipated he would add to his haul on joining Ferrari in 2015, but he has been unable to overcome Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton.

Charles Leclerc’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, contract talks broke down and Ferrari have now announced a mutual agreement had been reached to part ways.

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 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.”