Barretto: "Ferrari has found a new love with Leclerc"

Earlier today it was announced that Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel will separate at the end of the coming season. The four-time champion will therefore not continue his career at the Italian race stable, putting an end to the rumors about the contract negotiations, the future of him at Ferrari and more. It will also open the door for whoever gets in place, but what is the reason now behind his departure?

Following today's news, Formula1.com journalist Lawrence Barretto has climbed into the pen to take a look at the situation. He too comes to the conclusion that Ferrari no longer wanted to bet everything on Vettel because they attracted a nice second (equal) driver with Leclerc.

"When Vettel put pen to paper to join Ferrari for 2015, he was seen by the team as the man who could achieve what Fernando Alonso failed to do – bring the World Championship back to Maranello", writes Barretto, "But after failing to hit the target in the first four years, Vettel was then usurped by the future in the form of Charles Leclerc, who ruthlessly wrestled control of the team and relegated the German to bridesmaid."

Harsh words from Barretto, but that situation has led to Vettel no longer being the number one on the team. That's "tough to take for any champion." And he continues: "Ferrari were happy to keep him in the family but they didn't want to make a long-term commitment as they had a new love in their life."

This is of course diametrically opposed to what Vettel wants and that is commitment, focus and a clear position in the team. Ferrari didn't want to guarantee him that and according to Barretto that's the reason why they split up.