Vettel and Leclerc the best line-up in Formula 1, says Binotto

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto insists Sebastian Vettel remains their top option to partner Charles Leclerc for the 2021 Formula 1 campaign, and that the pairing make up the best driver line-up in the sport.

Vettel’s contract runs out at the conclusion of the 2020 season, and with nothing agreed or announced on the cusp of the campaign start, speculation has mounted that he could leave Ferrari, whether it be to another team or to retire.

Leclerc, meanwhile, earned a new five-year deal.

Despite the uncertainty, it is Ferrari’s will to retain the veteran driver.

“Seb is our first option, that’s the best line-up and the best in F1,” he said at the FIA press conference at testing in Barcelona.

“I’m very happy and proud that they [Vettel and Leclerc] are driving for Ferrari.

Vettel still has hunger for title glory with FerrariRead more

“We will come to the contract situation soon and discuss what’s the best thing for us. What matters more right now is the project, which we are sharing.

"We'll discuss this over dinner. I've known Seb for a long time, even before I became team boss, but before that.

“But now I know him better and better. We're very natural in discussions, we don't really have an appointment. We're going to talk, though."

When Vettel was asked whether the performance of the car will play a part in him actually him wanting to stay, he said his performance will be a factor for the team, too.

“I think it depends on what I believe in, and vice versa. Right now, it’s not that important, but there will be a time when it is important and we sort out the contract situation,” he said.

“We know what we want to achieve and where we want to go, and where we are right now.”

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