Ferrari confirm Vettel departure at the end of 2020 season

Scuderia Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel have jointly decided not to extend their collaboration beyond the end of 2020.

A report alleging the pair's split emerged overnight, uncovered by German media. It has now been made official by both parties.

"This is a decision taken jointly by ourselves and Sebastian, one which both parties feel is for the best," explained Scuderia boss Mattia Binotto.

"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.

• Vettel: Financial matters played no part in joint decision

"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."

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