Share

Ferrari is 'getting used to' the driver rivalry between Vettel and Leclerc

Ferrari is "getting used to" to the inter-team battle between Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc.

The traditional Ferrari strategy is to appoint a clear number 1 driver and a solid supporting act, and for 2019 the hierarchy began in quadruple world champion Vettel's favour.

Leclerc's speed and ambition, however, soon became obvious.

"Believe me, at the beginning of the year we had some meetings that were difficult to manage," admitted team boss Mattia Binotto.

"But towards the end of the season I found myself more and more comfortable, which meant we were getting used to it as a team.

"It was certainly not an easy exercise and everyone can do better.  But I believe that this is the way to optimise the results."

In Brazil, the pair clashed and Binotto insists that these sorts of "mistakes" are likely "from time to time".

"But I'm pretty sure they are also part of the growth process," he added.

Binotto said recently that Vettel and Leclerc will start 2020 "on a par", as "trying to handle them" as they are is the best way to score as many points as possible.

"When we go to Australia, there will be no number 1," he is now quoted by Austria's Kronen Zeitung newspaper.

"We'll be stronger next year.  Before each race, we sit down with our drivers and discuss all the possible scenarios."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()