Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has revealed that his decision to leave Red Bull at the end of the season was motivated by a desire to do "something new".
The 27-year-old's departure from Red Bull was confirmed overnight, with young Russian Daniil Kvyat lined up as his replacement.
"This is not a decision against Red Bull, it is for something else," Vettel told reporters.
"Red Bull did nothing wrong, we part as friends and it has nothing to do with the results even though they are not what we expected.
"I am loyal and I did not breach any contract. I am not running away from anything but there are times in life when you need something new and if there is an opportunity you have to grab it."
Vettel, who is currently fifth in the world championship, is understood to have a long-standing agreement to join Ferrari upon his departure from Red Bull.