Vettel: Leaving Red Bull, a “difficult decision”
Sebastian Vettel reflected on the announcement of the day in Suzuka, his departure from Red Bull at the end of the season, after four successful seasons in F1. He speaks of a difficult decision and does not announce his destination for the moment.
The announcement by Red Bull of the departure of Sebastian Vettel at the end of the year, after six successful seasons (four titles, 37 victories under the team’s colors), is the main topic of discussion in the paddock.
After the qualifying session in Suzuka, the media attention focused on Sebastian Vettel’s press briefing. The four-time reigning world champion discussed the reasons for his departure, without revealing his destination.
Facing the press, the German explained that his decision to leave had nothing to do with the results we have this season. It is rather the fact that I feel ready and thought it was the right time to start something new.
The decision to leave Red Bull was very difficult because he feels good in the team that nurtured him: It’s not that I’m unhappy, obviously I’ve loved every race here. We’ve had an incredible journey over the last 5 or 6 years.
« Of course, this year did not go as we hoped, » he admitted, « but it’s still the race, and I’m coming from a very, very happy place – that’s why it’s always difficult. But at some point in your life, I think you feel that you want to do something new, something different. This inner voice keeps growing and led me to decide to leave Red Bull and write a new chapter. »
He does not want to reveal his destination for 2015 yet: “But I think I will announce it very soon,” he nonetheless stated. “Obviously, I hope for the best. I have a lot of hope; otherwise, you wouldn’t make such a difficult decision to leave a place that is dear to you, to leave people you love, and to face such consequences. So, obviously, I am full of hope and confidence that, no matter my destination, I will succeed.” Ferrari seems to have the edge.
