Sebastian Vettel has signed a three-year deal with Ferrari from the start of the 2015 season.

Outgoing world champion Vettel has raced for Red Bull since 2009 but will replace Fernando Alonso to drive alongside Kimi Raikkonen next season.

"The next stage of my Formula 1 career will be spent with Ferrari and for me that means the dream of a lifetime has come true," said Vettel.

"When I was a kid, Michael Schumacher in the red car was my greatest idol and now it’s an incredible honour to finally get the chance to drive a Ferrari.

"I already got a small taste of what the Ferrari spirit means, when I took my first win at Monza in 2008, with an engine from the Prancing Horse built in Maranello.

"The Scuderia has a great tradition in this sport and I am extremely motivated to help the team get back to the top. I will put my heart and soul into making it happen."

Team Principal Marco Mattiacci believes Vettel has all the attributes to return Ferrari to the top of the sport.

"Ferrari has decided to put its faith in the youngest multiple champion in the history of Formula 1," he said.

"In Formula 1 terms, Sebastian is a unique combination of youthfulness and experience and he brings with him that sense of team spirit which will prove invaluable when, together with Kimi, they tackle the challenges awaiting us, as we aim to be front runners again as soon as possible.

"With Sebastian, we all share a thirst for victory as well as enthusiasm, a strong work ethic and tenacity; key elements for all the Scuderia members to write together a new winning chapter in the history of Ferrari."