Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has suggested Charles Leclerc’s rise puts him equal to Sebastian Vettel not above him.
Last weekend in Belgium, the German was left to play a support role to the Monegasque as an early pit stop took him out of contention for the victory.
However, while Leclerc has quickly established himself at the Scuderia with three poles and two prior near-misses before his first Formula 1 win at Spa, Di Montezemolo doesn’t think the dynamic has changed yet.
“Sebastian was crucial for the victory,” he said during Ferrari’s 90th-anniversary celebration in Milan on Wednesday.
“I think without Sebastian it was very difficult for Leclerc to win the race, very difficult because Sebastian was able to hold back Hamilton for a few laps.
“Sebastian is for me still very, very good. I think the pair is very good but in normal life, you have some moments with some difficulties,” the Italian admitted.
“But I am sure he has all the characteristics to come back. I hope very soon, and I hope in a few days.
“Vettel is not a number two. Vettel is a number one and Leclerc is in the process to be a number one, so it is good to have two number ones.”
Sky Sports commentator Martin Brundle disagrees, however, suggesting Leclerc is already taking the torch regardless of Ferrari’s wishes.
“I knew he was going to be good, but not this good,” he said in his post-Belgium column.
“He’s effectively already the team leader as Vettel struggles to match his speed and control, and he’s still improving fast.
“It’s difficult times for Seb, and with the events of the weekend and taking a look at himself and his own life and achievements, he must be mulling over all [future] options.”
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Leclerc though played everything down, insisting he and Vettel have struck a good relationship together.
“Seb and I have found the right compromise,” he commented at Wednesday’s event.
“We work together to improve the car, we have a great understanding and this is very important but is clear that each of us wants to be in front of the other, but it is normal.”
Looking forward, he added: “In five years I still see myself at Ferrari and as world champion. You must aim for the maximum in order to grow.”