Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto admits Sebastian Vettel will be treated as the lead driver to start the new Formula 1 season.
The internal battle at the Scuderia is one of the most anticipated stories of 2019 with the German four-time champion up against highly-rated youngster Charles Leclerc.
Many predict the 21-year-old could prove too hot to handle for Vettel, who made several key errors last year, but it appears he’ll have to establish himself before gaining equal status.
“I think it’s normal, especially early in the season, that if there are particular situations our priority will be Sebastian,” Binotto told ESPN at the launch of the new SF90 on Friday.
“He is the guide with which we aim for the championship, but there’s no prejudice and the absolute priority is for Ferrari to win.”
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The approach is understandable if likely to disappoint many, particularly as it would be remarkable for Leclerc to walk into the Italian team and beat Vettel immediately.
And Binotto says in the longer term that would be a scenario he would actually welcome.
“To have a driver pairing so competitive I think it’s not a problem but an opportunity,” he stated.
“Sebastian has little to prove and he remains our guide. Charles still has to learn, as pointed out by himself, but we know how talented he is.
“I hope to have this problem of having two drivers to manage among the top positions.”
