Ferrari adamant Vettel/Leclerc line-up works despite 'obvious' tensions

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Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto is convinced the Sebastian Vettel/ Charles Leclerc line-up is an "advantage" despite occasional tensions.

Last year saw the Monegasque do exactly as many predicted and challenge the lead driver status of the four-time world champion in his first year in red.

Not only did he do that but Leclerc went on to claim the most poles of any driver, more wins than Vettel and finish ahead of the German in the championship.

At times, however, it did leave Ferrari facing some tough predicaments, notably in Singapore, Russia and Brazil, where the two would collide.

But Binotto insists the pair can work together.

"If I look at the two drivers at the moment and how they are behaving together, it works very well," he said speaking to Motorsport.

"There is a good spirit, a good benchmark and in qualifying, when Charles is disappointed that he is behind Seb, it is good and positive.

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"But between the two, after all the polemics that we may have read in the newspaper about radio communications, that is one point that is not a concern at all.

"In fact it is opposite. It is a good line-up, as well as quite different in terms of experience, driving. For us, that is an advantage."

While Mercedes likely to focus on Lewis Hamilton and Red Bull on Max Verstappen, Ferrari has had to give their drivers equal status for this season, something that could also impact their championship chances.

But with the possibility of further confrontation between Vettel and Leclerc, the Scuderia boss admits all he can do is offer the best environment to prevent it.

"You have to accept them because that is obvious. They are top drivers and they are there to do their best and to win," Binotto said of likely tensions.

"So what's important for me is that they understand what is the overall objective and understand more about the overall situation [in the race].

"Arguing on the radio is never the best because when you are in the car you do not have the full picture, so then it is a matter of trust: trusting the team, even if you make mistakes, as the drivers may make them.

"I think it is only about clarity and transparency before the race, clarity and transparency also during the season, and then we should face whatever is the situation in the race together before we eventually discuss it."

 

         

 

 

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