General
Vettel completely surprised that Ferrari did not even offer him a contract
- GPblog.com
During the lockdown period it was announced that Sebastian Vettel will be replaced by Carlos Sainz next season. It seems a while ago, but now that the whole circus is back together on the Red Bull Ring, this is also the first chance for the media to question Vettel about this.
Vettel says in the press conference on the Red Bull Ring that the call from Mattia Binotto came as a complete surprise for him. He did not blindly assume that the team wanted to continue with him, but that Ferrari had no intention of extending his contract at all, he had not expected at all. He never even had an offer.
The German then immediately looks back on his period at Ferrari. He sees it mainly as a number of good years in which just missed the chance to win the world title. Especially in the second half of the season of 2017 and 2018 they were trumped by Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton.
Vettel emphasizes that he has always put the interests of the team first and although he will not have to fight for contract renewal this season will not be otherwise. Where necessary he will help Leclerc, but at first he will fight with him. Just like last year.