Vettel rejects Binotto claim that pandemic led to 2021 driver changes

Sebastian Vettel rejected Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto's claim that the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Italian outfit to rethink its driver plans for 2021.

After repeatedly saying last winter that Vettel was the Scuderia's first choice to race alongside Charles Leclerc next season, Ferrari unexpectedly announced that the German's contract would not be renewed at the end of the current season.

Binotto later justified the decision to part ways with Vettel by a change of circumstances, induced by the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the team's plans for next season, including F1's regulation freeze.

• Binotto: Pandemic led to change of stance on 'first choice' Vettel

Speaking to Servus TV on Monday evening at the Red Bull Ring, Vettel neither the pandemic or financial considerations were "decisive" factors in Ferrari's choice to oust hi from the team.

"The conditions with coronavirus are not so decisive there," said the four-time world champion.

"There were also partial reports that we could not agree on the financial. That was not an issue at all and wouldn’t have been."

Up to Ferrari's announcement mid-May, Vettel had been under the impression that he was very much part of the team's plans for 2021, although he had not been offered a contract at that point.

"I still thought it would have been an option to continue with Ferrari, it was communicated like that," he added.

"I was told they wanted to continue together. Then out of nowhere, I got a phone call, in which I was told that there won’t be any offer and no future together.

"I’ll accept the decision and have no problem with it. Despite that I will continue to fulfil my task and unlike last weekend, do a better job for the team and have a satisfactory closure."

Vettel admitted that he remained undecided on his future, with few options at his disposal and a door that looks closed at Mercedes.

Vettel could opt for a year on the sidelines, but conversely, the 33-year-old says that any decision to retire should be one that is set in stone.

"If you decide to close the door, you should not do it if you hope to open it again, unless it‘s clear from the beginning," he said.

"I think you need to be willing to keep the door closed, meaning that if it doesn't open again, you should not regret the decision."

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