Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto says the impact on F1 of the COVID-19 pandemic led to the Scuderia's change of vision for 2021 and subsequently to Sebastian Vettel's departure.
Ferrari and Vettel unexpectedly announced a parting of the ways at the end of this season, with many believing the split was rooted in the financial terms and length of the contract submitted by the Italian outfit to the four-time world champion.
But Binotto says the broad changes swiftly decided by F1 amid the current crisis and economic downturn were the key factors that governed Ferrari's vision for the future.
"Ferrari loves Sebastian as a driver and as a person, he is part of our team, our project, so it is never an easy decision," Binotto told Spain's Marca.
"Seb was our first option and then the COVID-19 arrived, a situation that has changed many things, from the regulation to the budget ceiling, things that have changed the vision of the situation, looking ahead as with the new car, postponed to 2022.
"Internal reviews had to be done, difficult, and that's what we did.
"It is not true [that Vettel left because of a short-term deal]. It is simply that things have changed and we are looking at a new cycle, and it seems that this vision, in terms of timing, did not coincide with his vision. It was not because of the type of offer or its duration."
Vettel's plans for 2021 are unclear, but options for the German to race on in 2021 exits at Renault and… Mercedes.
Binotto hopes his future ex-driver remains in the sport, and the Swiss engineer would be perfectly happy to see him join the championship-winning Silver Arrows squad, where Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas have yet to sign new deals for 2021.
"It would be a loss [if he retired], because we love and appreciate him, and it would be important for him to find a good seat next year," said the Scuderia chief.
"I hear rumours that you can find him in Mercedes and I would be very happy for him, I really would be."
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