Charles Leclerc hoping to reverse Sebastian Vettel's Ferrari 'priority'

Charles Leclerc

Leclerc hoping to reverse Vettel's 'priority'

Who will end 2019 as Ferrari top dog?

Matthew Scott

Thursday 14 March 2019 16:42 Updated: 07:34

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Charles Leclerc says one of his main missions for the 2019 campaign is to turn around the "priority" that Sebastian Vettel is set to enjoy from the start of the year at Ferrari so that it favours his efforts instead.

New Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has said that Vettel's title charge is likely to take precedence in the early going this season.

The Scuderia arguably failed to back Vettel at key moments last year, hampering him in qualifying at the Italian Grand Prix, as Lewis Hamilton came out from a topsy-turvy fight to dominate in the latter part of the season.

Leclerc is comfortable with Ferrari going down a more decisive route in 2019, but with free racing allowed between him and Vettel, he has the opportunity to turn the tables.

"In any team there needs to be a number one and a number two in a 50-50 situation," said Leclerc.

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"But then also on my side it's my job to turn things around. It's not going to be easy, I have a lot to learn, but I'll push for that."

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Leclerc will become the second youngest driver in Ferrari's F1 history at this weekend's Australian Grand Prix, stepping up to the Scuderia after just one year on the grid at Sauber.

Although his standing as a Ferrari junior driver smoothed his path, Leclerc says he has had to work hard in his attempts to hit the ground running in Melbourne.

"I did many weeks in Ferrari to try and get to know as much as possible the team, and also did a small team-building weekend just before coming here, which has been very helpful to know new faces," said Leclerc.

"I definitely feel more mature than last year. I've learned a lot last year, it was a big season, and I will learn many more things.

"But I feel more ready than last year."