Sebastian Vettel
Sebastian Vettel will leave Red Bull at the end of the season. Getty

Red Bull have confirmed their star driver Sebastian Vettel will leave the team at the end of the season.

The German driver and the defending champion has decided to end his time with Red Bull, where he won the last four consecutive titles, starting in 2010.

The 27-year-old joined the Milton Keynes-based squad in 2009 and has achieved success in his second season with his current team.

Vettel will be replaced by young driver Daniil Kvyat, who has impressed with his Torro-Rosso this season. The 20-year-old Russian will partner Daniel Ricciardo for the 2015 season.

"Sebastian Vettel has advised us that he will be leaving Infiniti Red Bull Racing at the end of the 2014 season," Red Bull issued a statement on their official website.

"We want to warmly thank Sebastian for the incredible role he has played at Infiniti Red Bull Racing for the last six years."

"Since joining the team in 2009, Sebastian, together with Infiniti Red Bull Racing, has scored 38 wins, 44 poles and eight World Championships, including four Drivers' titles and four Constructors'. If you include Sebastian's success at Red Bull's second team, Scuderia Toro Rosso, the Red Bull total increases to 39 wins and 45 poles."

"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."