Sebastian Vettel exit decision explained by Ferrari chief Mattia Binotto as denial issued

Sebastian Vettel was always first choice to partner Charles Leclerc in 2021 and Ferrari’s decision to axe the German was forced by multiple factors. That is according to team principal Mattia Binotto, who has denied Ferrari made approaches to other drivers before opting to dispense with Vettel.

Vettel’s spell on Ferrari’s books will come to an end later this year when the contract he signed back in 2017 expires.

The 33-year-old has revealed ahead of Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix that he was not offered the opportunity to extend his stay with F1’s most illustrious team.

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Ferrari’s decision surprised Vettel, who Binotto had stated time and again was the Italians’ No 1 choice to race alongside Leclerc in 2021.

Binotto has now offered an explanation for why Vettel is leaving, with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and budgetary constraints influencing Ferrari’s decision.

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“I think that Seb has been honest and transparent by telling it [like it is],” Binotto told Sky Sports F1. “During winter time a lot of drivers asked us if there was any opportunity and that is normal at that time.

“But, as we said privately with him and publicly, Seb has always been our first option. What happened later on with the pandemic situation changed completely the situation in the world. But not only [the pandemic], in Formula 1, a more strict budget cap, regulations which have been postponed [until 2022] – which for us is very important – cars which at the moment are almost frozen and as well for next year.

“The season has not started, as well for him, somehow there was no opportunity for him to be back on track and really try to prove his intentions really to drive fast for Ferrari etc. We had to take a decision, which is our responsibility.

“We took the decision. I informed him. I think, while he accepts the decision because he is a great and professional guy, I think he never truly and fully understands it. I think that’s part of his surprise. But, yes, I think he was surprised. Which I understand as well.”

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Ferrari announced McLaren driver Carlos Sainz will replace Vettel shortly after the four-time F1 champion’s impending departure was confirmed.

Binotto has denied Ferrari had approached Sainz or any other driver to potentially take Vettel’s seat and again insisted re-signing him had been their priority.

“As I said before, I had contact with several drivers in the winter time, so in December, which is true,” Binotto said. “But those drivers came to us, offering themselves, which I think is pretty normal. I would do the same.

“But, as I said, privately and publicly, Sebastian at the time was our first choice.”

Binotto said he was confident his relationship with Vettel remains strong despite the decision to part ways.

However, he admitted Ferrari have had to mull over how they communicated with Vettel before the departure was confirmed.

“I think the relationship is still great because I think I respect him and he respects us as people,” Binotto said. “Being shocked means that somehow he’s not fully understanding our decision, but that’s part of life.

“Is the decision right at first? I think it is always very difficult to tell. Hopefully we made the right decision.

“Could we have communicated better with him? That’s something we discussed with him as well. I’m pretty sure there is always a way of doing things better, so I accept it.”

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source: express.co.uk