Vettel says poor F1 season not a factor in call to leave Red Bull

Red Bull announced on Saturday that its relationship with long-time protege and four-time F1 world champion Vettel would end after 2014, with Daniil Kvyat replacing him.

"A decision like that obviously doesn't happen overnight," said Vettel.

"It's always a big step when a very, very good relationship comes to an end.

"I think you need to understand that there's nothing negative in the air at all. It's not like I'm leaving because I don't like it here or don't like the people anymore.

"Obviously you could look at it and say this year we are not successful so it feels like the right time [to go], but that's not the case.

"It's not like there's a negative here."

Vettel has been overshadowed by new team-mate Daniel Ricciardo this year, but said his overall record of success with Red Bull still outweighed that.

"I don't think I have to prove anything here," he said.

"Everything we have achieved, we have achieved together.

"Sure, this season didn't go as we all wanted to. Especially the first half for me was quite messy. I think we've made progress but it's a difficult one.

"It's not a decision based on the current results, it's more a voice inside me that kept growing and it's a step that I'm very much looking forward to."

Red Bull backed Vettel's junior career and gave him his first full-time F1 seat with its junior team Toro Rosso, although he actually made his grand prix debut with fellow patron BMW when Robert Kubica had to sit out the 2007 Indianapolis race.

He has driven for Red Bull Racing since the start of 2009, taking 38 wins in that time.

Vettel said leaving Red Bull after such a long association felt like leaving the family home.

"You can compare it to at some point in your life you decide to grow up and move out of home. It is a big step like that - it feels like leaving home," he said.

"But there is the desire and hunger to create something new, and in the end that's what made me decide to open another door."

Although Vettel refused to comment on his 2015 destination, Red Bull boss Christian Horner confirmed he would be heading to Ferrari, which is set to split with Fernando Alonso.