Yep, that's how most analysts are reading it, as a slap in the face to Hamilton, that although he's the better driver, he won't be able to prove it on the track against him next season.
I meant Hamilton leaving the team for Ferrari, it'd be interesting to see Vettel and Hamilton against each other in the same set up (of course there's a slim chance that may happen yet at Merc, can't see it though).