Red Bull have announced Sebastian Vettel will leave the team at the end of the current Formula One season.
The reigning champion is fifth in the drivers’ standings going into this weekend’ Japanese Grand prix, 117 points behind leader Lewis Hamilton and 57 behind team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.
A statement from the German’s team read: ‘Sebastian Vettel has advised us that he will be leaving Infiniti Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2014 season.’
They also announced that Vettel will be replaced by Danii Kvyat next season, he is currently with Red Bull’s junior team Toro Rosso.
The statement continued: “We want to warmly thank Sebastian for the incredible role he has played at Infiniti Red Bull Racing for the last six years.
‘Since joining the team in 2009, Sebastian, together with Infiniti Red Bull Racing, has scored 38 wins, 44 poles and eight world championships, including four drivers’ titles and four constructors.
‘If you include Sebastian’s success at Red Bull’s second team, Scuderia Toro Rosso, the total increases to 39 wins and 45 poles.
‘As we wish Sebastian well in the next stage of his career, we also look to the future with excitement, as the vacancy makes way for the next generation of Red Bull racers.
‘The Red Bull Junior Programme has developed some proven talents in recent times, including Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo, who has excelled in the RB10 and become a three-time Formula One race winner in his first season with the team.
‘We’re pleased to announce that Daniel will be joined in the team for 2015 by another rising star from the Junior Programme, Daniil Kvyat.’
Russian Kvyat, 20, replaced Ricciardo at Toro Rosso last year.
He broke Vettel’s record as the youngest points scorer in Formula One at the age of 19 and finished 9th on his debut in the Australian Grand Prix in March.