F1 News
"Charles is allowed to go as fast as he can" says Mattia Binotto
Ferrari has confirmed that Charles Leclerc will be allowed to stay ahead of his team-mate Sebastian Vettel during today's race. The team had previously said that Vettel was their number one driver and during Australia Leclerc was held back from overtaking the German. Mattia Binotto will let the two race and then decide team orders once positions have been established.
“Charles is allowed to go as fast as he can, he is allowed to try to go for pole, he is allowed to try to stay ahead and we’re not stopping him doing that,” said Binotto to RaceFans.
“But I think it’s important that our two drivers are not fighting and taking any risks and crashing together. No doubt that if the first lap Charles is ahead he will stay, if at the end of the race he is ahead he will stay ahead.”
When asked about the situation in Australia, Binotto said:
“I think it was not a hard decision because I think that the way we are managing those situations are clear with the drivers and are clear before the race,”
“I think Sebastian was ahead 10 laps to go, we hold the positions, we didn’t take any risk, we think that is the right approach. Both drivers are aware. I think that has been not a hard decision in that respect.”
It will be an interesting battle off the start between the two Ferrari's with many backing Leclerc to get the better of Vettel. You can stay up to date with the race on our liveblog which will be going live later today.