Vettel and Leclerc on equal footing at Ferrari?

During the presentation of the SF90 last month in Italy, Mattia Binotto, Ferrari team principal, declared that priority would be given to Sebastian Vettel in certain cases, notably at the start of the season because it is the natural “guide” of the house of Maranello in view of his seniority and his track record. 

During the winter tests in Barcelona, ​​the boss of the Reds took care to clarify his remarks by affirming that his two drivers would perform on equal terms. Asked about the subject at the FIA ​​press conference in Melbourne, Vettel believes that the situation suffers from no ambiguity at the start of the season.

“I don’t think there is much point in detailing the different scenarios, replied the German ahead of the Australian Grand Prix. JI think everything is very clear and Mattia has already said it: we have the right to get away with it. I am convinced that Charles will do everything to help himself and the team and the same goes for me.

At the end of the day, we are defending the Ferrari colors and that means trying to bring the team back to the top. For the rest, the season is extremely long so there's not much point in putting together some sort of scenario."

Leclerc, for his part, affirms “understand perfectly” his boss's decision. “When it’s 50-50, the team must have a Number 1 driver and a Number 2 driver. Afterwards, my job is also to do everything to turn the tide.”
 
The youngest Ferrari driver since Ricardo Rodríguez in 1961, the Monegasque nevertheless suggests that he does not intend to leave his part to the dog.

“We’ll be on equal footing with Sebastian. And it’s clear that if I can be faster than him, that would be great. But it will be really very difficult. He’s a great pilot, very experienced and very strong.”

Between marks of respect towards his illustrious teammate and asserted ambitions, Leclerc is in any case flawless in terms of communication before the start of the season.