Sebastian Vettel says he wants to close his Ferrari career “with dignity” as the championship prepares to enter the final third of the 2020 campaign.
Vettel joined Ferrari in 2015, twice finishing runner-up in the standings, but will leave the team at the end of 2020 after it opted to recruit Carlos Sainz.
Ferrari is in the midst of its worst campaign for 40 years and holds only sixth in the Constructors’ Championship, having fallen away from the battle for third overall.
Vettel has only scored 17 points to hold a lowly 13th in the standings, reaching the top 10 positions at less than half of the grands prix held so far this year.
“I’ve had the privilege to live through those emotions together with the fans, the team and with Italy, that’s an enormous privilege,” said Vettel ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix.
“But like other things things come to an end so I’m very much looking forward to a new chapter that starts next year [with Aston Martin] but before that one starts I try to close the chapter here with dignity.
“[I want to] try to get myself back together so that I can deliver the performances that I know I can, overcoming those obstacles, and being ready for the new chapter.”
Vettel has lagged behind team-mate Charles Leclerc this season both in qualifying and the races.
The four-time World Champion having not beaten the youngster on a Saturday since round three in Hungary and since then has only finished ahead once, in Belgium.
“I think obviously this year’s car is not easy to drive for both of us,” said Vettel.
“I’m sitting in all the meetings and I think we share the opinion, it’s also not easy, but I think it is clear going into the season knowing that you’re going to part ways it’s always going to be a different sort of love story.
“Nevertheless I respect all the work going in on my side in the last years and therefore I’m willing to give my maximum back but obviously it’s not been the easiest of years with where we are.”
