Vettel says Ricciardo's performance did not influence decision to leave Red Bull

Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel has revealed that his decision to leave his team Red Bull has not been influenced by the performance of Daniel Ricciardo and also said that he is not running away from anything.

Vettel, a four-time world champion, trails teammate Ricciardo by 57 points in this year's drivers' championship. The German, whose expected move to Ferrari is yet to be confirmed, said that he is not leaving because he does not like the team or individuals, adding that he is not running away from anything.

Vettel said that the voice inside and the hunger to do something new were bigger. Red Bull announced the German's decision to leave on Saturday morning at the Japanese Grand Prix, with Vettel informing team principal Christian Horner of his decision the previous night, The BBC reported.

Vettel has refused to confirm he is to join Ferrari, who approached him once they had been told by their current number one Fernando Alonso that he wanted to leave.

The German said that it is a tough step after such a long time together with Red Bull.

Vettel, who has been backed by the soft drinks manufacturer's motorsport programme since he was 12, also said that after so many fantastic years, he did and still is enjoying his time, but added that at some stage in life one wants to do something else, something new.

Vettel said that it is not the first time he has been approached but it felt like the right time. He said that he had not decided to leave because Red Bull have struggled for competitiveness this season in the face of Mercedes' domination.

The four time consecutive Formula One world champions said that it is not a decision based on current results, adding that a decision like that does not happen overnight. He said it is always a big step when a relationship like that comes to an end, but added that there is nothing negative in the air.