Sebastian Vettel’s bombshell revelation about his exit from Ferrari at end of this year shocked Formula 1 world. Even Tifosi is not happy about,Ferrari’s disrespect towards four-time world champion.
Ferrari has every right not to renew Vettel’s contract, but the problem is, the way how Ferrari and Mattia Binotto handled the whole situation is damaging.
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto about Vettel’s exit on May 12th of this year.
“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. 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.”
Ferrari Statement on Vettel Exit
In above statement Mattia Quoted “it’s joint decision by both parties”. but with Vettels’ revelation, it’s clear that Ferrari never even had a discussion about his extension nor they offered him any contract.
Listen to Mattia’s response on Vettel’s contract negotiation,after 2020 Barcelona testing in February.
During today’s press conference, Sebastian Vettel revealed that there were never discussions with Ferrari:
“There was no sticking point. 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.”
Vettel on his Future
“At the moment I’m not really having any [talks]. 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. If the right thing comes together and comes up, then I’m willing to continue. I feel that I have much more to give. If that’s not the case and doesn’t come together, then, as I said, [it’s] probably time to do something else. I am of the conviction that if you are prepared to let’s say shut the door, then you should be prepared to shut that door, and not shut it and expect it to open again. I think you have to be aware of the decision that you are making at the time, and that’s why also I’m not rushing into anything. I think it’s good to get the season under go, but the next weeks and months will probably bring some more clarity.”
As per earlier reports,Ferrari were in discussions with Mclaren driver Carlos Sainz about possible move to Ferrari during end of 2019 season it’self. Not sure why Ferrari waited so long to reveal their decision on Vettel when they decided to sign Sainz long back.
Ferrari and Mattia could have handled Vettel’s contract situation better way.
It’s shame on Ferrari to disrespect a four-time champion,who spent his prime 5 years with team to achieve common goal, that is to bring championship back to Maranello.
