Binotto explains reasoning behind Vettel departure as Ferrari look to the future

The preseason telephone conversation between Sebastian Vettel and Mattia Binotto will not have been fun for either party. Binotto had to let his star driver know that it was over for him at Ferrari and had a pretty tough time with that.

Even before the Formula 1 season of 2020 had begun, Vettel was told that his services would no longer be needed in 2021. The German could look forward to a new challenge, but was not at all happy with the way the team handled it. Binotto was not aware of any harm and had, on the contrary, practised a great deal on the conversation.

''Before I called Seb, I practiced that about three times. What and how am I going to tell him? The choice to let him leave wasn't easy, because we love him as a person and how he has behaved over the years. But there comes a time when you have to make choices for the future,'' said Binotto to Sky Italia.

While Vettel made it clear to the media that he did not agree with Ferrari's behaviour, Binotto praised the reaction of the German. ''Seb did not hang up the phone. He is an intimate and wonderful person and his behaviour during this difficult season shows that once again. He is never negative, but he is very proactive and respectful," concluded Ferrari's team boss.