Mercedes boss Toto Wolff believes "cracks" were evident in Ferrari/Sebastian Vettel relationship

Mercedes

Wolff believes "cracks" were evident in Ferrari/Vettel relationship

Mercedes boss unsurprised by Vettel's decision to quit the Scuderia

Ian Parkes

Sunday 24 May 2020 10:44

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Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff has revealed he was unsurprised by Sebastian Vettel's decision to quit Formula 1 rivals Ferrari.

Vettel and the Scuderia announced earlier this month the four-time champion would be leaving the team at the end of the season, ending what will be a six-year association.

The comments within Ferrari's statement from Vettel and team principal Mattia Binotto suggested there was no longer harmony between both parties.

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Wolff, who claims he has "a friendly relationship" with Vettel, has suggested such a breakdown was apparent.

"I am not so surprised about his decision; I think you could see some cracks," Wolff said in an interview with ESPN.

"He's a great personality, has been one of the personalities of the last 10 years in Formula One, winning four titles and starting this hugely successful spell at Red Bull.

"It's disappointing for him to see that this dream at Ferrari is being discontinued, but it is what it is."

The announcement regarding Vettel's departure sparked a chain reaction that saw Carlos Sainz confirmed as the replacement for the 32-year-old German, with Daniel Ricciardo to leave Renault and take up the vacancy at McLaren created by the Spaniard.

Wolff and Mercedes have been linked with Vettel, who could replace the out-of-contract Valtteri Bottas.

Wolff, though, is adamant he will bide his time before making a decision on his driver line-up for 2021.

"How the events panned out was fast and different because one must not forget there is still a full season to race," added Wolff.

"And you would rarely take decisions so early in the season because be it for Daniel at Renault, or Carlos at McLaren, or Sebastian at Ferrari, these guys will race the new kit, will see all the innovation, will need to be involved in the development of the vehicle and need to play their team part also in some of the competitions.

"So, yes, these decisions came about quicker than I would have done but it's interesting to watch, maybe there's something to learn."

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