Paul Jeffrey
Premium
In a surprise comment, 4-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel has confirmed he never held contract extension talks with the Scuderia, only finding out he is being dropped via a call from Mattia Binotto.
When the announcement dropped, many believed negotiations had broken down between the two parties - however the 32-year-old German claims contract talks never began, with Ferrari clearly stating their intention to go another direction with their driving pairing next season.
However, the 2010, 11, 12 and 13 World Champion is relatively relaxed about his future in racing, and plans to take his time assessing future options both inside and outside of the sport. when quizzed in Austria about his negotiations with other teams in the paddock, Vettel confirmed talks have yet to begin with potential employers for 2021.
It is clear that Vettel doesn't plan on settling for any contract once he leaves Ferrari, and the driver has even hinted he would be willing to completely walk away from Formula One racing should he fail to secure a suitable alternative going forward.
A winner of 53 Grand Prix and four World Championships in his 240 F1 starts, and at the relatively young age of just 32, it would be a massive shame if the likeable German can't find a suitable place on the grid next season, and despite his past success, the driver will have to perform strongly this year in order to convince teams he is worth taking on board for next year.
Original Source: F1.com
Got questions or comments about the sport we love? Lucky you, we have a sub forum for that - head over to the Formula One sub forum here at RaceDepartment and start a thread today!
- Vettel never started new contract negotiations
- The German informed by his team he will not be renewed beyond 2020
- The 32-year-old is currently evaluation his option to remain in Formula One beyond this year
When the announcement dropped, many believed negotiations had broken down between the two parties - however the 32-year-old German claims contract talks never began, with Ferrari clearly stating their intention to go another direction with their driving pairing next season.
“There was no sticking point,” said Vettel when quizzed about what brought potential talks to a conclusion. “It was obviously a surprise to me when I got the call from Mattia [Binotto, Ferrari Team Principal] when he told me that there was no further intention for 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 willing to continue in Grand Prix racing
- The driver is in no rush to secure his future
- Options outside of F1 could be considered if an appropriate drive cannot be found
However, the 2010, 11, 12 and 13 World Champion is relatively relaxed about his future in racing, and plans to take his time assessing future options both inside and outside of the sport. when quizzed in Austria about his negotiations with other teams in the paddock, Vettel confirmed talks have yet to begin with potential employers for 2021.
“At the moment I’m not really having any,” said Vettel. “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 have achieved a lot in the sport.
I’m motivated and willing to achieve more. To do so I need the right package and the right people around me, so that’s what I’m looking out for at the moment".
It is clear that Vettel doesn't plan on settling for any contract once he leaves Ferrari, and the driver has even hinted he would be willing to completely walk away from Formula One racing should he fail to secure a suitable alternative going forward.
"If the right opportunity should arise then it is quite clear [what I will do]. If that’s not the case then I’ll probably have to look out for something else.”
A winner of 53 Grand Prix and four World Championships in his 240 F1 starts, and at the relatively young age of just 32, it would be a massive shame if the likeable German can't find a suitable place on the grid next season, and despite his past success, the driver will have to perform strongly this year in order to convince teams he is worth taking on board for next year.
Original Source: F1.com
Got questions or comments about the sport we love? Lucky you, we have a sub forum for that - head over to the Formula One sub forum here at RaceDepartment and start a thread today!
Last edited: