Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto won’t consider creating a potential blockbuster line-up of Max Verstappen alongside Charles Leclerc.
The Dutchman is out of contract at Red Bull after 2020 and last week said he would have no issue teaming up with the up-and-coming Monegasque.
However, when asked about the possibility, Binotto claimed that while Leclerc is currently shaking the tree at Maranello, the system within Ferrari won’t change.
“I came up at the time of Michael Schumacher with Rubens Barrichello or Felipe Massa was next to him,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I think we should have a great first driver and another driver who can win races and score points. Something like [Lewis] Hamilton and [Valtteri] Bottas.
“Two drivers together like Max and Charles creates difficulties for the management of the team.”
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Former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone would have welcomed the chance to see the sport’s two brightest youngsters go at it together, however.
“They are two completely different characters who win their races in different ways,” the Briton said via Auto Motor und Sport.
“That’s why choosing between them is difficult for me. You could only really compare them in the same car, and that would be good to see.”
Based on Binotto’s comments though, it appears Leclerc is the man destined to take Ferrari forward, but that sits fine with former team boss and current FIA president Jean Todt.
“Charles is extremely strong mentally,” he stated to Germany’s Auto Bild.
“He has the makings of a great champion and the same natural way to lead a team as Michael Schumacher once did. He represents the future of Formula 1 and Ferrari.”