Sebastian Vettel will leave Red Bull at the end of the 2014 season, the team has confirmed.
The German joined the Milton Keynes-based squad ahead of the 2009 season and the combination has been the dominant force in Formula One ever since, with Vettel claiming four consecutive world championship crowns, 38 Grand Prix victories, and 44 poles over the past six seasons.
Red Bull also confirmed that Daniil Kvyat, who has impressed for sister team Toro Rosso during his rookie season this year, will be promoted to the main team alongside Daniel Ricciardo in 2015.
“Sebastian Vettel has advised us that he will be leaving Infiniti Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2014 season,” a statement from Red Bull read.
The four-time world champion will be replaced in the seat by Russian Daniil Kvyat, who has excelled in his first season at Toro Rosso.
The news comes amid a season that has seen Vettel comprehensively out-gunned by new team-mate Daniel Ricciardo.
Vettel is now expected to replace Fernando Alonso at Ferrari, with the Spaniard set for a return to McLaren.
Vettel is expected to announce his future plans shortly.
His departure has massive significance in terms of the driver market. The 27-year-old has been widely tipped to move to Ferrari, with Fernando Alonso strongly linked with a switch back to McLaren, alongside either Jenson Button or Kevin Magnussen.
Kvyat’s promotion meanwhile means a seat will open up at Toro Rosso next year. Rookie Max Verstappen is already confirmed with the team for 2015.