Decisions in F1, like almost anywhere, are sometimes tough to make and digest. And something similar happened with Mattia Binotto when he called Sebastian Vettel to let him know that Ferrari would not be renewing his contract.

The Ferrari Team Principal recently opened up about his temperament going into the phone call and what prompted such a drastic decision.

Speaking in an interview, Binotto stated, “I was at home and I had rehearsed how to tell him. Basically, we love Seb for what he gave us and how he behaved.” (translated from Google Translate)

Sebastian Vettel was not part of Ferrari’s ambitions

The Scuderia elected to bring in a fresh face in McLaren’s Carlos Sainz. Alongside Charles Leclerc, Ferrari wanted to try a ‘relatively young combination’ to find their way back to the glory days.

“We had to make choices based on the future, with medium-long term ambitions. We dealt with it transparently. He didn’t hang up, he understood why he is an intelligent person,” said Binotto. (translated from Google Translate)

Many at the time felt that it was harsh on Vettel to be released from Ferrari, especially given his racing credentials. But all parties have now come to grips with their decision and are looking to the future with positivity and motivation.

Vettel and Ferrari have had a bitter-sweet relationship over the years

Looking back on his time with Ferrari, possibly his biggest regret would be his inability to win a championship with them. After all, he would have secretly tried to emulate his idol, Michael Schumacher, who was a symbol of excellence himself.

The last couple of seasons have been particularly tough for Vettel and Ferrari. The way they approach the races has seen them have disagreements at times, and it has obviously not served to help the cause.

Nevertheless, that is not to say that everything has been doom and gloom for them. Winning a number of races and podiums, Vettel did aid Ferrari in their goals to fight Mercedes for supremacy.