Mattia Binotto says Sebastian Vettel leaving Scuderia Ferrari was the right move for both parties, but the German still shows his passion for Formula 1.
Vettel, who will leave Ferrari at the end of the 2020 season to be replaced by Spaniard Carlos Sainz Jr., has fourteen wins with the Italian outfit since joining them in 2015, but the World Championship has proven elusive for the German.
Binotto, the Team Principal of the Maranello-based squad, says both team and driver have a mutual understanding of why Vettel is leaving the team, but he does not expect the four-time World Champion to step away from the sport at the end of the year.
“I think it was the right thing for him and for us,” said Binotto to Sky Italia. “Only Seb knows what he will do in the future. He’s a great driver and he’ll make the right choice.
“He spent six years at Ferrari and the team has a special place in his heart. We have a good relationship with him, which isn’t to be taken for granted when there’s a parting of ways. There’s a mutual understanding of the reasoning behind this change.
“As for Vettel’s future, I think he’s so passionate about this sport. He’ll want to get back into it, although he’ll have a few things to think about. We’re looking at a long-term project.”
Despite Vettel being on the way out of the team, Binotto expects the German to be as professional as he usually is this year, and he hopes Ferrari can provide him with the car for him to leave on a high.
“I expect him to do very well this year because he’s a great professional and we hold him in high regard,” Binotto added. “We’ll have to give our drivers the ideal car to be able to perform at their best.”
