'Ferrari have two problems - reliability and Sebastian Vettel'

The Italian press have taken one look at the situation at Ferrari in the wake of the Bahrain Grand Prix and have made one clear decision - that Sebastian Vettel is a problem that is not going to be easily solved by the team as the 2019 season goes deeper.

Charles Leclerc's sensational, if ultimately heartbreaking, drive in the desert deserved victory and he was only denied by a technical fault, which has been an ongoing issue with Ferrari extending from last season.

His outstanding display was juxtaposed with that of Vettel who, amidst a close battle with Lewis Hamilton for second place, lost control and spun, finishing in fifth position. Mistakes have become all too common for Vettel and the Ferrari-biased Italian media have identified him as a key issue.

La Gazzetta dello Sport said that 'Ferrari have one certainty and two problems. The certainty is Charles Leclerc, and the problems are reliability and Sebastian Vettel.'

Corriere della Serra were even more damning of the German, claiming that he had suffered 'humiliation' at the hands of his young team-mate.

Leclerc emerges as Ferrari's 'champion' to leave Vettel on borrowed timeMatt Scott on the German's potential demiseRead more

La Rupubblica said that Leclerc 'is now the true challenger to Lewis Hamilton', while Corriere dello Sport claimed that Ferrari is 'looking to a future which does not include Vettel', adding that 'Mick Schumacher could soon be at the side of Charles Leclerc'.

Bahrain was another testing weekend for Vettel, who appeared tired and short with the media after the race. China has become a pivotal moment for him in shaping the season ahead.

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

'That happens' - Max Verstappen getting used to life as a new parent

• Yesterday 22:55

Racing driver goes on trial for alleged rape of nurse at Schumacher family mansion

• Yesterday 21:53

Christian Horner takes surprise new job after Red Bull F1 exit

• Yesterday 20:57

'I have never seen Ferrari do this' - Charles Leclerc reveals all

• Yesterday 19:57

Aston Martin set for radical new look at Monaco Grand Prix

• Yesterday 18:57

FIA announce more F1 rule changes for next year

• Yesterday 17:42