Vettel claims to have received no offer from Ferrari

We thought the shock wave had subsided and the decision to divorce had been mutually taken; new tremors were however felt in the green hills of Styria. And it's Sebastian Vettel which is the origin of this new (small) earthquake. 

When his non-extension of contract with Ferrari beyond the 2020 season was announced on May 12, 2020, we imagined that there had been sticking points between the two parties. But apparently there was no friction. Because according to Vettel the decision was taken unilaterally and rather abruptly.

« There was no point of disagreement, replied the German when asked at a press conference what had derailed the negotiations. I was naturally surprised to receive a phone call from Mattia (Binotto, Ferrari team principal) to inform me that the team had no intention of continuing together. There was no discussion or offer on the table. So no point of disagreement ».

After such statements, should we expect Vettel to now drive for his apple and ignore possible team instructions in favor of his teammate? Charles Leclerc, reinforced in his role as new leader of the Scuderia? 

« I have always made an effort to integrate myself into the teams where I have raced, and I naturally include Ferrari in this list, said the four-time world champion in return. Of course, you always aim for success on the track and want to prioritize your own result, but you also ride for a team. I cannot answer you precisely because the outlook for the 2020 season is complicated to perceive. We don't know how competitive the car is, etc. 

Now, if the situation arises and it is completely justified, I expect both drivers to help each other. This has nothing to do with the end of my contract and my next departure. Afterwards, I run for myself and I'm not there to make Charles's job easier by letting him pass like a flower. We fought last year and I expect similar struggles this year ». 

Vettel also clarified that he had not yet really made contact with other teams in order to extend his career beyond the current year.

« I want to make sure I make the right decision for my future, confided the German. I am a competitor at heart. I have already achieved quite a bit in my career and I am motivated to further enrich my track record. For that, I need to have the right car with the right people around. This is what I'm currently looking for ». 

In the meantime, the last six months of his journey with Ferrari may be fascinating to watch…