Ferrari has announced Sebastian Vettel will remain with the team for 2018 and beyond after signing a new three-year deal with the Italian team on Friday in Belgium. 

The confirmation was widely expected following the earlier retention of teammate Kimi Raikkonen on Monday for another season, despite the German hinting there would be no news until after the Italian Grand Prix on Thursday.

The slight surprise is the news of a three-year contract as it was believed Vettel was pushing for just a single year extension with the Scuderia amid rumours of a pre-agreement with Mercedes and a number of top drivers expected to potentially move seats for 2019.   

If the contract length is accurate then it would show great faith in the Scuderia from the four-time world champion after helping them to something of a renaissance this season as they used the new car design rules to catch Mercedes and currently sit 14 points clear at the top of the Drivers' Championship.