Red Bull have announced that world champion Sebastian Vettel is leaving the team, with young Russian Daniil Kvyat lined up as his replacement.
Vettel recently dismissed exit rumours after he was linked with a move to Ferrari, though Red Bull have now confirmed that the German will move on at the end of the season.
"Sebastian Vettel has advised us that he will be leaving Infiniti Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2014 season," Red Bull said in a statement released ahead of final practice for the Japanese GP. "We want to warmly thank Sebastian for the incredible role he has played at Infiniti Red Bull Racing for the last six years.
"As we wish Sebastian well in the next stage of his career, we also look to the future with excitement, as the vacancy makes way for the next generation of Red Bull racers. The Red Bull Junior Programme has developed some proven talents in recent times, including Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo, who has excelled in the RB10 and become a three-time Formula One race winner in his first season with the team.
"We're pleased to announce that Daniel will be joined in the team for 2015 by another rising star from the Junior Programme, Daniil Kvyat."
Kvyat, 20, made his debut at the Australian Grand Prix in March, finishing ninth.
Phil Archbold
