Formula 1: Ferrari announce new deal for Sebastian Vettel ahead of Belgian Grand Prix

Ferrari have confirmed Sebastian Vettel has signed a new three-year deal.

The news was announced ahead of qualifying for Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.

Vettel, who joined the Scuderia from Red Bull in 2015, had been linked with a move to Mercedes at the end of the season.

But the four-time world champion has now put speculation over his future to bed by committing to Ferrari until the end of 2020.

He continue his partnership with Kimi Raikkonen after it was revealed earlier this week that the Finn will be retained by Ferrari for at least one more season.

Vettel is currently leading the drivers' championship by 14 points from Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton with nine races left of the season.

"Ferrari has extended its technical and racing agreement with driver Sebastian Vettel for the 2018, 2019 and 2020 racing seasons of the Formula One world championship," the Italians said in a short statement released ahead of qualifying.

Vettel's contract extension is also likely to mean Valtteri Bottas will be handed a new contract to partner Hamilton at Mercedes for 2018.