Sebastian Vettel welcomes the strong performance of Charles Leclerc, insisting the pair are working together to help Ferrari.
The arrival of the Monegasque for 2019 was always going to be a closely followed story as he went up against a four-time world champion who was already under pressure after a number of errors in the second half of last year.
Despite a steady start in Australia, Leclerc quickly proved himself on a very similar level to Vettel and has since taken three poles including his first victory last weekend in Belgium.
“No, I think it is positive that he has surprised people outside but inside he has been with the Ferrari Academy for a while,” Vettel said on his performances.
“It was clear to see that he had a lot of potential and he had a very strong rookie season with Alfa so I think it is good to see that he was right on the pace straight away.
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“From a team point of view I think it is important that we work together not against each other, that seems to work so that is important otherwise it would be a waste of energy.
“I said earlier that we didn’t have the car or ability to win every race so that is our objective so it serves both of us if we push in the right direction. I believe one day we will have that car and then we can fight it out.”
Leclerc agreed that while both have a competitive edge, at this stage, collaboration is the best approach to move Ferrari forward.
“I think very good,” he said on their relationship. “We have found the right balance between competition and also working together to try and improve the car and to work for the team.
“I think this is extremely important for teammates, every time we are getting into the car I am wanting to beat him as much as he wants to beat me but whenever we are out of the car we manage to share information, speak together and just try to do our best to help the team move forward and bring the car to where it should be.
“I think it’s a very good relationship.”
Looking forward, Vettel only expects Leclerc to get better too, particularly now he has scored that maiden F1 win.
“It was a big weekend for him last weekend even though it was overshadowed by the circumstances and the passing of Anthoine,” he stated.
“But as he said it was his first one and I am sure he is going to be around for a while so there will be a lot more.”
