Ferrari have finally confirmed the long speculated signing of Sebastian Vettel as Fernando Alonso’s replacement for the 2015 Formula One world championship. The move’s possibility first came to fruition prior to the Japanese Grand Prix when Sebastian Vettel announced that he would be leaving Red Bull Racing.
Alonso’s contract termination was confirmed today, prior to Vettel’s announcement. Alonso still had another 2 years left on his contract and is widely thought to be moving to McLaren-Honda to replace either Jenson Button or Kevin Magnussen; a decision that will be made in December.
Vettel will partner 2007 champion and friend Kimi Raikkonen and has the option to remain with the Scuderia for a contracted 3 years.
“The next stage of my Formula 1 career will be spent with Scuderia Ferrari and for me that means the dream of a lifetime has come true,” said Vettel.
“When I was a kid, Michael Schumacher in the red car was my greatest idol and now it’s an incredible honour to finally get the chance to drive a Ferrari.
“I already got a small taste of what the Ferrari spirit means, when I took my first win at Monza in 2008, with an engine from the prancing horse built in Maranello. The scuderia has a great tradition in this sport and I am extremely motivated to help the team get back to the top. I will put my heart and soul into making it happen.”
Ferrari team principal Marco Mattiacci said the team “has decided to put its faith in the youngest multiple champion in the history of Formula One”.
“In Formula One terms, Sebastian Vettel is a unique combination of youthfulness and experience and he brings with him that sense of team spirit which will prove invaluable when, together with Kimi, they tackle the challenges awaiting us, as we aim to be front runners again as soon as possible.
“With Sebastian, we all share a thirst for victory as well as enthusiasm, a strong work ethic and tenacity; key elements for all the scuderia members to write a new chapter in the history of Ferrari.”
