Sebastian Vettel has left Red Bull and will join Ferrarri in a deal worth £50 million –a-year, making him the highest paid driver in racing history.
He broke the news about his departure by texting a message to his boss Christian Horner, inviting him to his hotel room at Red Bull’s hotel in Suzuka, where the Japanese Grand Prix will take place tomorrow.
The World Champion was reported to be in tears as he broke the news to his boss.
Horner said there was no point trying to convince him to stay because he was too determined to leave.
Ferrari are yet to announce the German’s arrival, but he is expected to replace Fernando Alonso, who is rumoured to be on his way to McLaren.
Vettel, a four time world champion at red Bull, negotiated his deal without his employer’s knowledge. Red Bull have already announced that his place will be taken by Danill Kyvat, a 20 year old Russian driver who is currently at Toro Rosso.
For Vettel, the allure of Ferrari, the most successful and grandest name in motor racing, was simply too much to resist. ‘It is not the first time I have been approached but it felt like the right time,’ he said.
‘I’m not leaving because I don’t like the team or individuals. I’m not running away from anything. The voice inside me, the hunger to do something new was bigger. It was not the easiest decision but you have to listen to your heart.’
He added: ‘This is not a decision against Red Bull, it is for something else. Red Bull did nothing wrong, we part as friends and it has nothing to do with the results even though they are not what we expected.
‘I am loyal and I did not breach any contract. I am not running away from anything but there are times in life when you need something new and if there is an opportunity you have to grab it.’