Leclerc: Sochi team order rift not a 'huge deal'

©Ferrari

Charles Leclerc says Sebastian Vettel's reluctance to obey team orders in Sochi wasn't a "huge deal", although the Ferrari charger insists his team will make sure the situation doesn't repeat itself in the future.

Leclerc squabbled with his team over the radio in the early stages of the Russian Grand Prix, questioning why Vettel wasn't handing back the lead to the Monegasque per the pair's pre-race agreement.

Vettel was eventually sidelined by an engine issue while Leclerc finished third, in the wake of the winning Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

Binotto says Ferrari needs 'perfect' execution in Suzuka

In Suzuka on Thursday, Leclerc said he had cleared the air with Ferrari regarding the events that unfolded at Sochi, dismissing any lingering tensions with Vettel or his team.

"Obviously there was some misunderstanding from the car," Leclerc said. "But we’ve had a discussion and I think everything is clear now.

"It felt like a huge deal from the outside, but it definitely wasn’t. But yeah, everything is fine."

While Leclerc had spoken with Scuderia boss Mattia Binotto in Maranello, he had not talked directly to his teammate.

"Unfortunately, I had some things happening on the day he was in Maranello," explained the 21-year-old.

"So we didn’t have the chance to meet up together. But I had a meeting with Mattia and he had one with Seb the day earlier, and everything is fine."

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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.