Vettel says Ferrari didn't offer new deal: 'It was obviously a surprise'

Former F1 champion Sebastian Vettel said he was surprised when Ferrari didn't offer him a contract for 2021.

"There was no sticking point," Vettel said, according to Laurence Edmondson of ESPN. "It was obviously a surprise to me when I got the call from Mattia (Binotto) when he told me that there was no further intention for the team to continue. We never got into any discussions, there was never an offer on the table and therefore there was no sticking point."

The 32-year-old has raced for Ferrari since 2015, but he hasn't been able to capture a championship with the legendary team. Binotto, the team principal, told the driver in May that he wouldn't return next season after the German was pegged in February to be the team's No. 1 choice to partner with Charles Leclerc for 2021.

Vettel said there's no backup plan in place once his contract runs out.

"Well at the moment I'm not really having any (plans). Looking forward, obviously I want to make sure I make the right decision for myself and my future," he said. "I think I have a very competitive nature, I have achieved a lot in the sport, I'm motivated and willing to achieve more.

"To do so I need the right package and the right people around me so that's what I'm looking out for at the moment. If the right opportunity should arise, then it is quite clear. If that's not the case, then I'll probably have to look out for something else."

Vettel also said he's not afraid to walk away from the sport.

"I don't know, if the right thing comes together and comes up and I'm willing to continue, then I feel I have much more to give," the four-time champ said. "If that's not the case and doesn't come together, then, as I said, probably time to do something else."