In a surprising move, Ferrari have confirmed four time Formula One World Champion Sebastian Vettel will depart the team at the end of the year - opening up what is sure to be one of the most hotly contested seats in recent seasons.
Having enjoyed incredible success with Red Bull in his early career, many thought the switch to Ferrari for Sebastian Vettel would yield the beginning of a Schumacher esque period of dominance for the famous red team, however when the curtain closes on his five year relationship with the Scuderia at the end of this season, the combination of Vettel and Ferrari will always be known as a case of what might have been.
"My relationship with Scuderia Ferrari will finish at the end of 2020,” said Vettel. “In order to get the best possible results in this sport, it’s vital for all parties to work in perfect harmony.
“The team and I have realised that there is no longer a common desire to stay together beyond the end of this season. Financial matters have played no part in this joint decision. That’s not the way I think when it comes to making certain choices and it never will be.
“What’s been happening in these past few months has led many of us to reflect on what are our real priorities in life. One needs to use one’s imagination and to adopt a new approach to a situation that has changed. I myself will take the time I need to reflect on what really matters when it comes to my future.
“Scuderia Ferrari occupies a special place in Formula 1 and I hope it gets all the success it deserves. Finally, I want to thank the whole Ferrari family and above all its “tifosi” all around the world, for the support they have given me over the years.
“My immediate goal is to finish my long stint with Ferrari, in the hope of sharing some more beautiful moments together, to add to all those we have enjoyed so far."
At this stage it remains unclear what comes next for the likeable German driver, with seemingly few attractive options for continuing to fight at the very forefront of the Formula One grid from 2021 onwards.
With Leclerc locked down into a long term deal in red for the foreseeable future, the tantalising prospect of who could join the young charger is expected to be a key point of discussion in the days and weeks ahead.