Vettel didn’t share same ‘short or long-term goals’ as Ferrari
| F1 Live | F1 Replay | F1 Standings |
Sebastian Vettel is leaving Ferrari because both parties didn’t share the same “short or long-term goals”, according to the team’s Formula 1 boss Mattia Binotto.The four-time world champion and Ferrari are parting ways at the end of the 2020 season following a six-year partnership that has so far amassed 14 grand prix victories but as yet no world championships.Talks over a new contract broke down without agreement and Ferrari acted swiftly by swooping for McLaren’s Carlos Sainz as Vettel’s replacement on a two-year deal that was announced on Thursday morning.It has been reported that Ferrari was only willing to offer a one-year extension on a significantly reduced salary, though Vettel insisted the decision was not down to financial matters but rather because they no longer have a “common desire to stay together”.Speaking at the Motor Valley Fest event in Italy on Thursday, Binotto said: “When taking these decisions it’s because we are convinced we made the right decision.“We closed a cycle with Sebastian, it’s been six years he has been working in our team. I admire Sebastian as a person and as a driver. I hold him in great esteem.“Over the last weeks, the world has changed, not only from an economic point of view but also from a technical and sporting point of view.“There are challenges and obstacles ahead. We are laying the foundations for our future. And we want to have a specific perspective.“We discussed it with Sebastian and we found out we didn’t share the same short or long-term goals.”EDITOR’S PICKS: How Vettel’s Ferrari dreams collapsed under the weight of expectation.Sainz will join Charles Leclerc – who signed a new long-term deal until the end of 2024 over the winter – to complete Ferrari’s youngest driver pairing since 1968 when he arrives from McLaren at the end of the season.”4The Spaniard claimed a career-best result of sixth place in the championship on his way to helping McLaren secure fourth in the constructors’ standings during an impressive 2019 campaign in which he also took a maiden F1 podium in Brazil.“Sainz is a great addition,” Binotto explained. “He’s very smart, young, but he has participated in five seasons.“He’s a strong, reliable driver that has scored a lot of points and I believe he is a great driver to be paired with the pure talent of Charles, so that he can grow and win.”
For motorsport news follow TRmotosports on social media.
facebook.com/TRmotosports
twitter.com/TRmotosports
instagram.com/trmotosports/
linkedin.com/company/trmotosports-com
