Sebastian Vettel says Ferrari ‘had no intention’ of extending F1 deal

Sebastian Vettel has revealed his departure from Ferrari at the end of this season has been motivated by the team itself after it declined to offer him a deal for the 2021 F1 World Championship season.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix season opener, two months after it was confirmed Vettel would be replaced by Carlos Sainz for 2021, at the time it wasn’t clear whether the German jumped or whether he was pushed.

Now Vettel has gone on record to confirm he has in fact been axed by the team, rather than long-held speculation they simpy couldn’t agree on terms.

Answering a question posed by The Sun’s Ben Hunt, Vettel said: "It was obviously a surprise to me when I got the call by Mattia when he told me that there was no further intention from 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 declaration provides an interesting context to Vettel’s exit, with many believing he departed amid the rise of Charles Leclerc to challenge for his #1 status in the team and his subsequent long-term contract.

Ferrari itself claimed it was an amicable and mutual decision, saying at the time: 'This is a decision taken jointly by ourselves and Sebastian, one which both parties feel is for the best. It was not an easy decision to reach, given Sebastian’s worth as a driver and as a person'.

Instead, Vettel says the lack of interest from Ferrari at renewing the deal says more about the Scuderia’s appraisal of the German in 2019 when strong pace was let down by numerous errors and controversial run-ins with his team-mate.

Even so, Vettel still has one more season to come good on securing a fifth world title in Ferrari colours, though there appears to be concerns with the new SF1000’s general performance before an upgrade due in Hungary.

As yet Vettel hasn’t indicated what his options for the 2021 F1 season would be with Renault and possibly Racing Point being options, but hints he wants to contiunue on.

“I’m looking forward, obviously I want to make sure I make the right decision for myself and my future," he continued.

“I have a very competitive nature. I’ve achieved a lot in the sport and I’m motivated and willing to achieve more. To do so I think I need the right package, the right people around me.

“So that’s what I’m looking out for at the moment. If the right opportunity should arise then I think it is quite clear. If that’s not the case then I will probably have to look out for something else.

“If the right thing comes together and comes up and I’m willing to to continue, then I feel I have much more to give."

I GOT A QUESTION IN TO VETTEL...
"There was no sticking point [on the contract]. It was a surprise to me when I got a call from Mattia saying the team did not wish to continue. No offer was on the table."

— Ben Hunt (@benjhunt) July 2, 2020