There was never offer on table from Ferrari, admits F1’s Vettel
SEBASTIAN VETTEL has admitted for the first time that he was not offered a new deal by Ferrari.
The four-time world champion could now be entering the final year of his Formula 1 career after he was dumped by the Italian team.
Speaking at the opening round in Austria, the 32-year-old said: “It was obviously a surprise to me when I got the call from (Ferrari boss) Mattia Binotto and he told me that there was no further intention for the team to continue.
“We never got into any discussions. There was never an offer on the table and therefore there was no sticking point.”
The Ferrari hierarchy grew tired of Vettel’s failure to launch a successful championship challenge against Lewis Hamilton in recent seasons.
Charles Leclerc secured more pole positions and victories than Vettel in his debut campaign with the Scuderia last year, and was rewarded with a bumper new deal. Ferrari then moved to secure the services of McLaren’s Carlos Sainz in 2021 to play back-up to the 22-year-old Monegasque.
Mercedes are yet to confirm their line-up for next year, but while it seems improbable that Hamilton will leave, Valtteri Bottas could be moved on. That could free up a seat for Vettel and allow the most decorated driver line-up of all time.
“If the right opportunity should arise then it is quite clear what I will do,” he added. “If that’s not the case then I’ll probably have to look out for something else.
“I have a very competitive nature and I have achieved a lot in the sport.”