Ferrari: Vettel and Leclerc 'understand how to behave', says Binotto

Ferrari

Ferrari: Vettel and Leclerc 'understand how to behave', says Binotto

Both drivers reminded of their conduct after a tricky 2019

Sam Hall

Monday 24 February 2020 10:12 Updated: 11:35

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has confirmed that his two drivers, Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, 'understand how to behave' following a strained relationship between the two in 2019.

The duo had an altercation on track during the Brazilian Grand Prix and Vettel's poor form meant that there were discussions about who the No. 1 driver was.

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Binotto now says that a year of experience with the two team-mates has led to a better understanding.

“Last year has been very useful to both them and myself to know each other, to understand how we should behave and what should be the rules within the team, what the priorities are," said Binotto.

The team is first. I think the two drivers now know each other a lot better and are behaving well. I’m very happy with the level of discussion we’ve got, the level of contribution we’ve got to the car, to the team and the way that really they are discussing."

Are Ferrari deliberately underperforming in pre-season testing?Read more

The early speed shown by Leclerc caused an issue for Ferrari with the Monegasque outperforming Vettel, but being the victim of team orders.

A breathtaking performance in Bahrain should have seen him win his first Grand Prix in just his second outing for Ferrari, but a mechanical problem saw him miss out.

The strength of Leclerc combined with the consistent mistakes from Vettel made for an explosive mix when the two fought over the same piece of tarmac in Brazil.

Without going into detail over what was said, Binotto reiterated, ,"Generally speaking, there is not much to tell them, because they understand perfectly what should be the way to behave when on track.”

The proof of this relationship will first be seen at the Australian Grand Prix where the season begins on March 15.