Vettel likely to move to Ferrari in Formula One reshuffle

German Sebastien Vettel will swap Red Bull for Ferrari, replacing Spaniard Fernando Alonso who is expected to join McLaren. The news comes, after it emerged that team principal at Red Bull, Christian Horner said Ferrari had made Vettel, “a very attractive offer”.

Horner revealed that he was told the news in the middle of preparations for the Japanese Grand Prix, though was gracious in his handling of the situation, with Russia’s Torro Rosso driver Daniil Kvyat said to be replacing Vettel.

“All I can do is wish him the very best for the future,” he said.

Vettel, who follows in the footsteps of compatriot Michael Schumacher, who dominated with Ferrari, has been with the team since he was 12 years old, winning four world championships, and has said he “wanted to do something else, something new”.

At 12/1 with Coral to win the championship this season, it is highly unlikely, and after a frustrating last few months, will be hoping his new team make the necessary improvements needed to catch Mercedes up with Lewis Hamilton odds-on at 4/6 to win the title.

Although Vettel hasn’t officially announced that he is joining Ferrari, that seems to be the likeliest scenario, however he was keen to make his stance clear: “I don’t have anything I can confirm now. For now, I can’t say much.”

“It is not the first time I have been approached but it felt like the right time,” he continued.

“I’m not leaving because I don’t like the team or individuals, I’m not running away from anything. The voice inside me, the hunger to do something new was bigger. It was not the easiest decision but you have to listen to your heart.”

Alonso, however was a little more forthcoming: “Today was a surprise, with the announcement of Vettel leaving Red Bull,” said the 33-year-old.

“Everyone was waiting for some kind of announcement on my side and the first one to move was Sebastian,” he continued.

“The priority is to help Ferrari. We are in the middle of a (race) weekend. I have had my mind set for two or three months; everything was moving in that direction. I can go more or less where I want.”