Ferrari Formula 1 team boss Mattia Binotto says he would be “very happy” if his driver Sebastian Vettel lands a seat with chief rival Mercedes next year.
Vettel will depart Ferrari after six seasons, after he and the Italian outfit were unable to agree a way forward, with Binotto admitting it was a difficult decision to make, but one that best fits Ferrari’s future plans.
“Without a doubt, for many reasons,” Binotto replied when asked by Spain’s MARCA if it was a difficult decision.
“Ferrari love Sebastian as a driver and as a person as he is part of our team and our project, so it is never an easy decision.”
Binotto admitted that the intention was to continue with Vettel and team-mate Charles Leclerc, but with so many changes and a pandemic, Ferrari have had to change their plans.
“He was our first option and then the coronavirus pandemic came, a situation that has changed many things, from the regulations to the budget cap.
“There are things that have changed the situation, with the new car postponed to 2022. We had to make internal reviews and that’s what we did.”
Asked if Vettel’s decision to quit was fuelled by Ferrari only offering him a short-term deal, Binotto added: “No, that’s not true. It is simply that things have changed and we are looking at a new cycle. It seems that this vision, in terms of timing, did not coincide with his vision. It was not because of the type of offer or its duration.”
At present it looks as though Vettel will be without a seat for the 2021 season, with only Renault currently having an open vacancy.
It’s known Vettel is courting Mercedes in the hope of replacing Valtteri Bottas, though it seems an unlikely move despite Toto Wolff’s admission they are considering it, but if it does go ahead, however unlikely, Binotto insists he would be “very happy” for the four-time World Champion.
“Yes, it would be a loss, because we love and appreciate him and it would be important for him to find a good seat next year. I hear rumours that Mercedes are interested and I would be very happy for him, I really would be.”
