Why Leclerc and Sainz are being backed to bring success to Ferrari

Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has detailed the reasons why he feels Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will bring success back to Maranello.

Leclerc is Max Verstappen's closest challenger for the world championship this year, with the Monégasque nine points adrift after the opening seven races of the season in which both drivers have jostled for victories.

Although Sainz beat his team-mate last season, the Spanish driver has endured a difficult start to the year, notably making mistakes by spinning out of the races in Australia and Imola, as well as crashing in practice in Miami.

Leclerc also spun in Imola, falling from the podium to sixth which cost him valuable points in the title fight.

Further pain in Spain and Monaco have left him with a deficit to reigning champion Verstappen despite leading the Red Bull driver by 46 points after the first three races.

The decision to employ Leclerc and Sainz went against traditional Ferrari driver line-ups where an experienced driver - usually a world champion - would spearhead its charge.

Binotto, when asked about the change in philosophy, replied: "Very happy with the line-up we've got. Pretty happy... they're young, true, but they have good experience as well.

"When we employed them, Charles was obviously an investment since he was very young in the Ferrari Academy but as well with Carlos.

"Having young drivers means that as Ferrari, we are looking not only at the short-term, but the medium-, long-term, trying to build solid foundations."

Ferrari "in a good place" with Leclerc and Sainz

On how the relationship between the two is helping to move the team forwards, Binotto added: "They are really behaving well, going well together.

"The level of collaboration, not only the outside on social media etcetera, but on the technical side, they are complementary, giving the right feedback.

"They understand the spirit of the team, that they are empowering the spirit of the team, so [I'm] really very happy so far.

"I know that Charles had a fantastic start to the season. A bit more difficult for Carlos, but he will get there very soon, I'm pretty sure.

"To win the constructors’ championship you need to have two good drivers, which we've got.

"So overall we are in a good place. We have long-term contracts with them. I'm very happy with that."

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Lewis Hamilton has made the biggest mistake of his career as Ferrari carnage unfolds

• 29 minutes ago

Shock Fernando Alonso claim made by former F1 team-mate: 'I was not allowed to beat him'

• 2 hours ago

Ferrari chief says Christian Horner is not the fix: 'One man alone cannot change things'

• 3 hours ago

Max Verstappen to McLaren is not dead with 'door wide open' for massive transfer

• 3 hours ago

Ferrari line up replacement for Lewis Hamilton boss accused of 'terrible relationship'

• Today 08:15

F1 News Today: Max Verstappen penalty claim disputed as champion issues public apology

• Today 07:30