F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Leclerc won't change Vettel's 'basic team mate rule'

Sebastian Vettel says the arrival of the mercurial Charles Leclerc at Ferrari next season won't change a basic rule that he applies to all his team mates.

For several years, the German enjoyed a harmonious relationship at the Scuderia with Kimi Raikkonen, but many are predicting that the highly rated Leclerc will give Vettel more than a run for his money.

"The harmony between Kimi and I meant that we didn't waste time with various things," Vettel told Swiss daily Blick.

"Everyone is different, and we will see how Charles and I will work together. But he is a good guy and Ferrari is a huge chance for him.

"The basic rule is unchanged -- you always want to beat the other."

Vettel is aware of what he will be up against, but the four-time world champion has a positive view of the 21-year-old Leclerc, and he hopes the Monegasque will work with him to bring the title back to Maranello for the first time since 2008.

"It is clear that Charles is at a different stage of his career to me, but we all want Ferrari back on top," said Vettel.

"We'll see how things will work out next year, but as far as I know he's a good guy.

"The years after my last title have not been simple, but it's good to be back in a position where we can fight for the victories and the championship."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Sargeant feeling 'comfortable' despite rumors of potential seat loss

Williams driver Logan Sargeant is maintaining his composure amid speculation regarding a potential mid-season replacement,…

3 hours ago

Norris: Miami ‘not the track’ to judge McLaren upgrades

Lando Norris says Miami isn’t the best circuit to gauge the full impact of McLaren’s…

4 hours ago

Red Bull’s Mintzlaff publicly backs ‘very good CEO’ Horner

Red Bull managing director Oliver Mintzlaff has for the very first time publicly expressed his…

6 hours ago

Alonso to talk to FIA about nationality bias in F1 penalty decisions

Fernando Alonso says he’ll be looking to engage with the FIA regarding his concerns over…

8 hours ago

Imola 1985: When Prost was too light to win

On this day in 1985, the San Marino Grand Prix ended in confusion with drivers…

9 hours ago

Miami Speed Trap: Who is the fastest of them all?

As a street-track spectacular, the Miami International Autodrome features three long straights and an equal…

10 hours ago