No leash on Leclerc insists Ferrari's Binotto

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.

Leclerc: No issues with 'logical' n°2 status at Ferrari

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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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.