Sebastian Vettel “Was Our First Option and Then..”: Binotto Opens up on Vettel’s Ferrari exit

There has been plenty of speculation regarding Sebastian Vettel’s Ferrari exit. Some believe it has to do with the length of the contract while others say it’s his dynamic with Charles Leclerc. The real reason why Sebastian Vettel is leaving Ferrari will probably remain a mystery until either Ferrari or Seb speak out, but that’s unlikely.

Binotto on Sebastian Vettel

However, team principal Mattia Binotto provided some insight into why Ferrari is parting ways with Seb. Binotto hinted at Coronavirus and the budget cap possibly playing a role in Vettel’s exit from the team.

But the Italian refuted one long-running rumor- regarding the durations of Seb’s alleged contract. Binotto asserted that a short contract wasn’t why Sebastian is leaving Ferrari.

According to many earlier reports, several publications suggested Vettel rejected Ferrari’s initial offer due to its reduced duration. Allegedly, Ferrari offered the German a one year deal, which he didn’t accept.

Traditionally, Vettel’s Ferrari contracts last two or three years. Nevertheless, BInotto confirmed that a shortened renewal wasn’t the reason. Moreover, the Italian revealed that the type of contract also had no effect on Seb’s departure.

Some reports suggested Vettel wouldn’t be paid as much or share equal status with Leclerc. In his official statement, Seb clarified that money played no part in his decision. Which only leaves his relationship with Charles Leclerc, who is now the team’s de facto number 1.

Speaking to Marca, Binotto said:

“Certainly for many reasons. Ferrari loves Sebastian as a driver and as a person, he is part of our team, our project,

“It is never an easy decision. Seb was our first option and then the COVID 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 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 its vision. It was not because of the type of offer or its duration”