Binotto denies Vettel now number 2 driver

Binotto denies Vettel now number 2 driver
3 September 2019 by    1 min read
 5

Team boss Mattia Binotto has denied that Sebastian Vettel is now Ferrari's number 2 driver.

His denial comes after the Italian media said Charles Leclerc's first win at Spa last Sunday marked a turning point in the Ferrari hierarchy.

"Vettel must clear the way for Leclerc," declared La Repubblica newspaper.

Corriere dello Sport added: "After 13 grands prix, Ferrari has realised that Leclerc is the right man to take over Maranello's legacy."

And La Gazzetta dello Sport said: "Charles waited for this day after so many unfortunate moments, but in Belgium he took over the role of team leader.

"The future is in Charles' hands."

Even the German press got in on the narrative, saying Vettel had played a mere "assistant role" in Belgium.

"Vettel's humiliation now seems final," Die Welt newspaper added.

When the hierarchy shift was suggested to Ferrari boss Binotto, though, he responded: "No, no, no.

"Simply if you are faster and if you are ahead, the interest of the team comes in. And that will not change.

"There will still be opportunities for Seb. We go race by race and the best will be in front," he added.

However, it is still being rumoured that Vettel could escape from his 2020 contract in order to either retire or return to Red Bull.

Dr Helmut Marko has reportedly told Sky Deutschland that he has sat down with Vettel's lawyers, even if he acknowledges: "Vettel has a contract for next year."

Binotto commented: "That's all nonsense. Seb still wants to become world champion with us."

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5 F1 Fan comments on “Binotto denies Vettel now number 2 driver”

  1. Amaya locks

    Well well well, who would of thought it Vettel being number two driver. i am really glad this as happened. now he knows what it's like to be slow. I hope he feels bad. what goes around comes around. remember what he did to Mark Webber is ( he's to slow)

  2. Amaya locks

    Well well well, who would of thought it. Vettel being number two driver. I did. remember what he did to Mark Webber. i.e. (two slow)

  3. david merrington

    its a shame what as happens but i have vettel is bad for not looking in his wing mirrors but i hope the 2 Ferrari win this week end

  4. ok then

    "Simply if you are faster and if you are ahead, the interest of the team comes in. And that will not change..".
    Really? because at the start of the season Vettel was your nr1, costing Leclerc points in at least 2 GPs.
    Ferrari gaff again.

  5. Pam

    I hope Vettel jumps ship to Red Bull or leaves F1 altogether- he is past his prime unlike Hammertime!!!

    He cant do pressure and I hope Charles L continues to pile is on in leaps - I really want to see whether Charles can keep his cool in a head to head with Hamilton? I bet Hamilton will be able to do Chatkes just like he has done with Mad Max.

    However, I really want Charles to win in Italy but I dont want his nee wingman-Vettel- to come anyway in the top 3 because its time for him to exit!


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