Former Ferrari driver Gerhard Berger was warned Sebastian Vettel against showing too much trust in teammate Charles Leclerc.
In what was a direct weekend of contrasts for the two drivers at Monza, the four-time world champion called out the Monegasque after the silly scenes in Q3 suggesting he ruined the team’s strategy by falling behind on the out-lap.
It seems that moment hadn’t gone down well within Ferrari either with team boss Mattia Binotto only “forgiving” Leclerc after his victory on Sunday.
Whether the situation had been intentional by Charles or not, given the strange circumstances, Berger believes Vettel didn’t help himself.
“I have to say it clearly: there is no team play at this level in Formula 1,” the Austrian told the Kolner Express. “Everyone is on their own and has to get his own nose in front.
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“I do not know if he fooled Vettel, but it has long been clear that Leclerc has an absolute killer instinct and is headed in the direction of the world title.
“That was not so surprising for me. For me, it was rather incomprehensible why Sebastian waited so long and did not go alone hunting for pole.
“Without the slipstream, he might not have beaten Leclerc’s time but he might have finished second or third. He can never rely on Leclerc,” he warned.
The dynamic between Vettel and Leclerc has been closely followed this season, with Ferrari declaring a system from the start that the German would be favoured in 50/50 scenarios.
Gradually though, the 21-year-old has begun establishing himself ahead as an equal driver, with Berger suggesting Sebastian took Leclerc’s trust for granted.
“Let’s not call it naive, but he has too much good faith, and good faith has little place in top-level sport, where the world championship is concerned,” he concluded.