Ferrari 'getting used to' driver rivalry
Ferrari is "getting used to" to the inter-team battle between Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc.
The traditional Ferrari strategy is to appoint a clear number 1 driver and a solid supporting act, and for 2019 the hierarchy began in quadruple world champion Vettel's favour.
Leclerc's speed and ambition, however, soon became obvious.
"Believe me, at the beginning of the year we had some meetings that were difficult to manage," admitted team boss Mattia Binotto.
"But towards the end of the season I found myself more and more comfortable, which meant we were getting used to it as a team. It was certainly not an easy exercise and everyone can do better. But I believe that this is the way to optimise the results."
In Brazil, the pair clashed and Binotto insists that these sorts of "mistakes" are likely "from time to time. But I'm pretty sure they are also part of the growth process," he added.
Binotto said recently that Vettel and Leclerc will start 2020 "on a par", as "trying to handle them" as they are is the best way to score as many points as possible.
"When we go to Australia, there will be no number 1," he is now quoted by Austria's Kronen Zeitung newspaper. "We'll be stronger next year. Before each race, we sit down with our drivers and discuss all the possible scenarios."
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I think this is a great strategy for Ferrari to not. Have a favorite No. 1 driver. But their issue with not winning races or getting the pole position don’t have only to do with their drivers. As a team they have been very sloppy in pit stops competing to Redbull and Mercedes. They have not been consistent at all in that area which have resulted in them losing valuable positions in the race. Their pit stop strategy has been sub par again comparing to their rivals too for a team that is supposed to be one of the bests if not the best.
Also their issue with overheating and not being able to maintain pressure and competitive edge on the cars in front of them also means there is much for the team to accomplish in 2020.
The team feels like it’s not firing on on cylinders from the front to the back office vs a well oiled MB or the hungry, young and ambitious RB teams.
Personally I don’t see Ferrari drivers and constructors team finishing better than 2nd place in the new season of RB doesn’t give them a great run for their money
Going forwards Ferrari might get used to not having a Nr1 driver but will Vettel?