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

Vasseur explains why Ferrari had to ‘stop the noise and the rumors’

Fred Vasseur has made it clear that Ferrari’s decision to publicly address speculation over his…

5 hours ago

Verstappen explains why he skipped softs in Sepang FP2

Max Verstappen emerged from Formula 1’s first day back at Sepang with plenty of encouragement…

6 hours ago

Hamilton escapes penalty as Ferrari hit with €10,000 impeding fine

Lewis Hamilton escaped with little more than a slap on the wrist after impeding Audi’s…

7 hours ago

Russell warns Mercedes upgrade is being masked by tyre woes

George Russell resisted the temptation to draw any grand conclusions from Mercedes’ much-anticipated W17 upgrade…

8 hours ago

Bahrain GP: Friday's action in pictures

A sweltering Friday in Sepang delivered a hectic opening day as Max Verstappen and Charles…

10 hours ago

Briatore draws a line under Alpine’s costly Baku disaster

Flavio Briatore has drawn a line under Alpine’s bruising Azerbaijan Grand Prix, admitting he was…

11 hours ago