Departing Vettel says Ferrari offer was never on the table
Friday, 3 July 2020
The Scuderia announced in May that the German would move on.
Sebastian Vettel has spoken of his surprise that he was deemed surplus to requirements by Ferrari and revealed there were no discussions over a new deal.
The Scuderia announced in May that four-time Formula One world champion Vettel would move on at the end of this season, which starts in Austria this week following a long delay due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It was reported that the two parties could not agree terms, but Vettel says Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto made it clear this was his final year with the Italian team.
"There was no sticking point," Vettel said.
"It was obviously a surprise to me when I got the call from 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."
Sebastian Vettel spoke about how his departure from Ferrari came about on Thursday in Spielberg#AustrianGP 🇦🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/tF9HHD4jje
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 2, 2020
Vettel, who will be replaced by Carlos Sainz, vowed to only remain in F1 if the right opportunity arises.
"At the moment I'm not really having any [talks about his next move]," the German said.
"Looking forward obviously I want to make sure I make the right decision for myself and my future.
"I think 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, and 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 probably have to look out for something else."
