Horner: Vettel needed a new challenge

SebastianVettel

The German confirmed he would be leaving Red Bull at the end of the season, with Ferrari believed to be his destination for 2015.

Horner gave a strong indication it would be Ferrari, saying the "lure of another team that's brightly coloured" had drawn Vettel in.

He said a fresh challenge, not his struggles this season, was the reason for the 27-year-old's decision to move on.

"I think the lure of another team that's brightly coloured has come up and it's a point in his life and career that he's felt the timing is right for him," Horner said.

"We obviously respect that decision and rather than looking to hold a driver against his will, if somebody's heart isn't here, it's better to reflect on the good times and look forward. I think he just fancied a new challenge.

"He's decided that his heart is somewhere else and we look back with a huge amount of pride about what we achieved together and it wouldn't be right to hold him back.

"If someone's heart isn't in the team it's better to release them. We now face a new era within the team."

Vettel told Horner of his decision on Friday and, a day later, Red Bull confirmed Russian Daniil Kvyat would be Australian Daniel Ricciardo's team-mate next season.

Asked if Fernando Alonso, who looks set to be the driver making way for Vettel, was an option for Red Bull, Horner said his team wanted to back their youngsters.

"Fernando is a wonderful driver but our philosophy has always been to back youth and youngsters, with Sebastian, Daniel Ricciardo and now Daniil Kvyat," Horner said.

"He looks a really exciting talent and prospect, so we're following our philosophy and I'm sure he's going to be a star of the future."

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