Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto says outgoing driver Sebastian Vettel “didn’t share the same goals”, both short- and long-term, when discussing their respective future plans.
It was announced on Tuesday that Ferrari and Vettel have opted not to continue their partnership beyond 2020, with Carlos Sainz Jr. confirmed as his successor on Thursday.
Vettel insisted that the decision was not financially motivated and is taking time to consider his next step.
“Well, when taking these decisions, it’s because we are convinced we made the right decision,” Binotto said at the Motor Valley Fest Digital gathering on Thursday, regarding signing Sainz Jr.
“We close the cycle with Sebastian, it’s been six years since Sebastian has been working in our team, I admire Sebastian, I admire him as a person and as a professional, I hold him in great esteem.
“Beyond that over the last weeks the world has changed, not only from an economic point of view but also from a technical and sport point of view, there are challenges and obstacles that are going to be difficult.
“We are laying the foundations for the future. And we want to have a specific perspective. We discussed with Sebastian and we found out we didn’t share the same goals, short- or long-term goals.
“Sainz is a great addition, he is smart, young, he has participated in five seasons.
“He is a strong, reliable pilot that conquers many championship points during races and I believe for us he is a great pilot to be paired with the pure talent of Charles so he can grow and win.”
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