Sebastian Vettel's end at Ferrari

Sebastian Vettel and Scuderia Ferrari part ways at the end of the 2020 season, which currently has not even begun due to the Corona crisis. This is a step that had been expected for a long time, because the world champion mission had never been able to fulfill the 4-time world champion who started for this purpose. In the past five years, the German twice managed to finish second in the drivers' standings. The frustrating situation for both sides had to find an end, because their common goal, to win the world championship, they could not realize together until now and they are far away from it also this season. The separation is the logical step.

A team that is formed to achieve a common victory dissolves when the team has lost confidence in each other to ever achieve the common victory. Scuderia Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel had tried by all possible means to win the Formula 1 World Championship, but they had not succeeded in the past 5 years, the Mercedes team with its figurehead Lewis Hamilton was too dominant. Now that the Red Bull team has also re-entered the battle for the world championship and Vettel lost out to his young and hopeful teammate Charles Leclerc last season, it is clear that Vettel's appeal has diminished as confidence in the German is waning. With this year's Formula One season off until the end of June due to the Corona crisis, the cards are stacked against having a full season to get the most out of it. It seems that the new hopeful Leclerc enjoys more confidence than Vettel after last season and that Vettel will have to resign himself to his fate.

Mattia Binotto, Managing Director Gestione Sportiva and Team Principal, comments on the separation official as follows:

"This is a decision that was made jointly by us and Sebastian, a decision that both parties believe is best. It was not an easy decision, given Sebastian's value as a driver and as a person. There was no particular reason that led to this decision, apart from the shared and consensual belief that the time had come to go our separate ways to achieve our respective goals.

Sebastian is already part of Scuderia history, as his 14 Grand Prix victories make him the team's third most successful driver, while he is also the one who has scored the most points with us. In the five years we've been working together, he's finished in the top three of the drivers' standings three times, making a significant contribution to the team's consistent top-three finish in the constructors' standings.

On behalf of everyone at Ferrari, I would like to thank Sebastian for his great professionalism and the human qualities he has demonstrated during these five years in which we have experienced 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 we can still get a lot out of this unusual 2020 season."

Sebastian Vettel comments on the separation in the official media release as follows:

"My relationship with Scuderia Ferrari will end at the end of 2020. To achieve the best possible results in this sport, it is essential that all parties work together in perfect harmony. The team and I have realized that there is no longer a mutual desire to stay together beyond the end of this season. Financial matters have played no role in this joint decision. That's not how I think when it comes to making certain decisions, and it never will be.

What has happened in recent months has caused many of us to reflect on what our real priorities are in life. You have to use your imagination and take a new approach to a situation that has changed. I myself will take the time I need to think about what is really important when it comes to my future.

Scuderia Ferrari occupies a special place in Formula 1, and I hope it will have the success it deserves. Finally, I would like to thank the entire Ferrari family and especially its "tifosi" around the world for the support they have given me over the years. My immediate goal is to end my long time at Ferrari, hoping to share some more beautiful moments together to add to all those we have enjoyed so far".

Future of Vettel, future of Ferrari
Will Vettel be able to remain in Formula One after the end of the season? Basically yes, after all Sebastian Vettel is still one of the best Formula 1 drivers in the world, but the question is whether he will get another chance in a big team. But Sebastian Vettel also has to think about his future and whether a new direction in his life might not be better. And the question is, does he really want to stay in Formula 1 or is it not enough after 14 years of Formula 1? There is no reason to mourn at the moment. The separation was foreseeable for some time and the separation from Ferrari does not have to be a separation from Formula 1. But even for Ferrari it is questionable how things will continue. Who can and should step into Vettel's shoes? There are not that many candidates. Should Leclerc now conquer the world championship crown? You'll have to wait for the first races in 2020 to see where Ferrari stands, where Vettel stands, where Leclerc stands and where a possible successor stands. The Formula 1 season is expected to start on June 28, 2020, with the French GP, when the cards will be shuffled.