Charles Leclerc says working with Sebastian Vettel has been a “huge honour” after it was confirmed he’ll leave Ferrari at the end of 2020.
After reports emerged on Monday that a decision had been made, it was announced early on Tuesday the Italian team and the four-time world champion had mutually agreed not to extend his current contract.
The decision brings to an end what will be a five-year partnership during which Vettel has won 14 races so far but ultimately has been unable to break the dominance of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes.
For some, the writing has been on the wall ever since Leclerc arrived at Ferrari last year and almost immediately began to outshine the German, eventually winning twice and finishing ahead in the Drivers’ Championship.
That led to an increasing power game between the two, as the Monegasque later achieved equal status and resulted in some conflict, notably the collision between the pair in Brazil.
Commenting after the announcement of Vettel’s exit though, Leclerc paid tribute to their time together.
“It’s been a huge honour for me to be your teammate,” he wrote on Twitter.
“We’ve had some tense moments on tracks. Some very good ones and some others that didn’t end as we both wanted, but there was always respect, even though it wasn’t perceived this way from the outside.
“I’ve never learnt so much as I did with you as my teammate. Thank you for everything Seb.”
With Vettel leaving, it paves the way for Leclerc to establish himself as the lead driver at Ferrari.
Of course, that will depend on who ultimately steps in across the garage next year…
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