The Ferrari team and Sebastian Vettel have jointly decided not to extend the contract that unites them both beyond their expiration date, at the end of the 2020 Formula 1 season.

"My relationship with the Scuderia Ferrari will end at the end of 2020. To obtain the best possible results in this sport, it is vital that all parties work in perfect harmony. The team and I have realized that there is no longer a common desire of staying together beyond the end of this season and financial issues have played no role in this joint decision. I don't think that's the way to make certain decisions and it never will be, "Sebastian Vettel explains of his decision.

"What has happened in recent months has led many of us to reflect on what our real priorities are in life. One needs to use imagination and take a new approach when situations change. I will take the time to reflect about what really matters when it comes to my future, "says Vettel.

"The Scuderia Ferrari occupies a special place in Formula 1 and I hope that it will achieve all the success it deserves, that is why I want to thank the entire Ferrari family and, above all, their supporters around the world for the support they have given me. over the years. My goal is to finish the season with Ferrari in the hope of sharing some good moments, to add to all that we have enjoyed so far, "says the German driver.

"It is a joint decision and in which both parties consider it to be the best. It was not an easy decision to reach, given Sebastian's value as a driver and person and there was no specific reason that led to this decision, except for the fact that they both take separate paths to achieve their respective goals, "says Mattia Binotto , managing director of Gestione Sportiva and team principal in a Ferrari press release.

"Sebastian is already part of the history of the Scuderia, with fourteen grand prizes won, the third most successful driver in the team and also the one who has accumulated the most points with us. In these five years he has finished three times in the top three of the Championship of Pilots, making a significant contribution to the constant presence of the team in the top three of the Constructors' classification, "adds Binotto.

On behalf of Ferrari, I want to thank Sebastian for his professionalism and human qualities during these five years, in which we share so many great moments. We have not yet managed to win a world title together, which would be the fifth for him, but we believe that we can still get a lot out of this unusual 2020 season, "concludes Binotto.

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