Vettel takes Ferrari wheel in F1 shuffle
AUTO RACING: 27-year-old German will step in for Alonso, who is expected to join forces with McLaren
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates — In a widely expected shakeup, four-time Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel will replace twotime champion Fernando Alonso at Ferrari next season.
The 27-year-old German will be leaving Red Bull for the Italian team on a three-year deal, Ferrari said on Thursday.
“The dream of a lifetime has come true. When I was a kid, Michael Schumacher in the red car was my greatest idol and now it’s an incredible honour to finally get the chance to drive a Ferrari,” Vettel said.
“I am extremely motivated to help the team get back to the top.”
Alonso, a 33-year-old Spaniard who won his two titles with Renault in 2005 and 2006, had said earlier this season that his future was elsewhere. His destination remains unclear, but he is expected to join McLaren.
With Alonso sitting beside him Thursday, Vettel heaped praise on his new team.
“I think it will be a special journey, not even the first race but even winter testing,” Vettel said. “To step into the car, I think it will remain with you for the rest of your life.”
Alonso expressed his frustration with Ferrari last year after the Hungarian Grand Prix.
That earned him a public rebuke from the team and led to rumours that he was on his way out.
In five seasons with Ferrari, Alonso finished runner-up to Vettel three times, including in 2012 and 2013. He pushed Vettel two years ago — finishing three points behind — but in last year’s championship, Vettel beat him by 155 points. Even the prospect of a new deal at Ferrari couldn’t change Alonso’s mind.
“I felt it was the time to find new projects and motivation. I was in talks even last year to be honest,” Alonso said.
“This year I felt around summertime, September, that it was time to move.”
Alonso, who won 11 races for Ferrari and secured 44 podium places, thanked the team for not standing in his way.
“They could say, ‘No,’ but this is a true sign of love and respect from this team,” Alonso said. “From Monday (onward), I will be a true Ferrari supporter.”
His final race will be on Sunday at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He is fifth in the overall standings and has managed only two podium places this season.