Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel on Tuesday said he would leave Ferrari at the end of the season, saying there was no “common desire” to work together any more.
No replacement was
named for Vettel, who dominated F1 with Red Bull before switching to the
Italian marque in 2015. He said his departure was a “joint decision”.
“My relationship
with Scuderia Ferrari will finish at the end of 2020,” the 32-year-old German
said in a statement from Ferrari.
“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.”
Vettel, who has won
14 races with Ferrari, said financial considerations did not play any role in
his decision. He said he would “reflect on what really matters when it comes to
my future”.
Vettel’s departure
will spark intense speculation about his replacement, with Mercedes’ reigning
world champion Lewis Hamilton among the drivers previously linked with Ferrari.
“This is a decision
taken jointly by ourselves and Sebastian, one which both parties feel is for
the best,” team principal Mattia Binotto said.
“It was not an easy
decision to reach, given Sebastian’s worth as a driver and as a person.
“There was no
specific reason that led to this decision, apart from the common and amicable
belief that the time had come to go our separate ways in order to reach our
respective objectives.”