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Vettel expects Leclerc challenge in 2019

Vettel expects Leclerc challenge in 2019

Vettel expects Leclerc challenge in 2019

Vettel expects Leclerc challenge in 2019

Sebastian Vettel expects Charles Leclerc will pile pressure on him through the 2019 season, having already seen a glimpse of the youngsters potential at the Australian Grand Prix. Leclerc was called off from a late-race attack on Vettel, having displayed a fairly evident pace advantage.

Vettel struggled throughout the weekend in Melbourne, dropping from third on the grid after being overtaken by Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

Leclerc put in a solid if unspectacular debut performance as he became Ferrari's second youngest F1 driver in history and perhaps would have had fourth place on merit, only for his pit-wall to order him to maintain a gap behind his teammate.

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The Monegasque has been tipped in some quarters as a title candidate, but the team order was a sign of team principal Mattia Binotto's "priority" for Vettel, who knows he will have to work hard to maintain number-one status.

"For Charles, obviously it's a dream coming true - similar to me, obviously at a different point in his career," said Vettel.

"It's quite nice to be that young and join a big team like that.

"I think he's done really well from what I've seen so far, he will put a lot of pressure on me the whole season.

"I'm aware of that and I think it will be very close.

"He's very talented, I want to meet his parents and congratulate them because by the looks of it they brought up a nice boy, and a fast driver too.

"I'm sure we'll have tough and tight battles this year, but more than anything I hope we have a lot of fun together."

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