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Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari Parting Ways After 2020

Sebastian Vettel and Scuderia Ferrari have agreed to part ways at the end of the 2020 Formula 1 season, Ferrari confirmed Tuesday (May 12).

The two sides mutually decided not to extend Vettel’s contract beyond 2020.

Vettel won four championships in a row from 2010-2013 for Red Bull Racing. He joined Ferrari in 2015 and scored 14 wins with the team. Vettel has 53 total Formula 1 victories throughout his career.

“This is a decision taken jointly by ourselves and Sebastian, one which both parties feel is for the best,” Mattia Binotto, managing director of Gestione Sportiva and team principal, said in a release. “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.

“Sebastian is already part of the Scuderia’s history, with his 14 grands prix wins making him the third most successful driver for the team, while he is also the one who has scored the most points with us. In our five years together, he has finished in the top three of the drivers’ championship three times, making a significant contribution to the team’s constant presence in the top three of the Constructors’ classification.

“On behalf of everyone at Ferrari, I want to thank Sebastian for his great professionalism and the human qualities he has displayed over these five years, during which we shared so many great moments. We have not yet managed to win a world title together, which would be a fifth for him, but we believe that we can still get a lot out of this unusual 2020 season.”

Vettel’s teammate Charles Leclerc earned two wins and 10 podiums in 2019.

“My relationship with Scuderia Ferrari will finish at the end of 2020,” Vettel said. “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.

“Scuderia Ferrari occupies a special place in Formula 1 and I hope it gets all the success it deserves. Finally, I want to thank the whole Ferrari family and above all its “tifosi” all around the world, for the support they have given me over the years. My immediate goal is to finish my long stint with Ferrari, in the hope of sharing some more beautiful moments together, to add to all those we have enjoyed so far.”

Ferrari has not yet named who will replace Vettel in 2021.

About the author

Joy joined Frontstretch in 2019 as a NASCAR DraftKings writer, expanding to news and iRacing coverage in 2020. She's currently an assistant editor and involved with photos, social media and news editing. A California native, Joy was raised as a motorsports fan and started watching NASCAR extensively in 2001. She earned her B.A. degree in Liberal Studies at California State University Bakersfield in 2010.

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David Edwards

Its time. Seb has thrown away too many points and potential wins in the last several years. Time for the team to find a new fresh face to partner with Charles.

IMHO race drivers are like politicians, no point in recycling the same old tired faces thinking you will get a better result.

JD in NC

I like Seb, but I don’t think he wants to be the number 2 driver behind Leclerc at Ferrari. Probably the best decision for both Seb and Ferrari. Leclerc is young and has the talent to battle for championships for years to come (or at least 3rd place behind the Mercedes) and Seb could bring some veteran help to another team.

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