Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto says Charles Leclerc's speed won't be reined in at the outset of the 2019 season, insisting the Monegasque will be free to race team mate Sebastian Vettel.
Last month at the launch of the team's SF90 contender in Maranello, Binotto said that Vettel would be given priority over Leclerc in the early part of the season, if circumstances warranted such a decision.
However, the Scuderia clarified his comments last week in Barcelona.
"They will be free to fight," said Binotto.
"We will not ask Charles to go slow or Sebastian to be faster. We need both of them to run to the maximum and try to do their best.
"But certainly if there is any ambiguous situation at the start of the season, Sebastian is the one who has got more experience.
"He has been with us many years, he has already won championships, so he is our champion."
©Ferrari
Binotto has undoubtedly chosen to be safe rather than sorry with regard to laying down the rules, and avoid the pitfalls that impacted Ferrari at the end of last season when an absence of team orders cost Vettel dearly.
"I think that it's good as well for Ferrari," Binotto said.
"When you've got your intentions clear from the start, at least you do not make mistakes when you have an ambiguous situation."
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