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Sainz: Close relationship between Vasseur and Leclerc 'useful' for Ferrari

Carlos Sainz believes that Charles Leclerc's long-standing friendship with incoming Scuderia chief Fred Vasseur won't put him at a disadvantage and will prove "useful" for Ferrari.

In the coming days, Vasseur will take the helm of the Scuderia, with the former Sauber-Alfa Romeo team boss succeeding Mattia Binotto who handed in his resignation at the end of November.

As the co-founder of ART Grand Prix, Vasseur mentored in motorsport's junior series the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg and, among many others, Charles Leclerc.

Vasseur cut his teeth in F1 briefly with Renault in 2016 and then thereafter with the Alfa Romeo-branded Sauber outfit where he recruited Leclerc with Ferrari's backing for the Monegasque's F1 debut in 2018.

Vasseur and Leclerc have since maintained a good relationship which has led some to believe that the friendship between the two men could give the latter an edge over Sainz.

Read also: Marko sees Ferrari weakened by Binotto/Vasseur switch

But the Spaniard isn't the least bit concerned by such a scenario playing out, and has welcomed Vasseur's arrival at Ferrari.

"From what they’ve told me and from what I know, I think he’s the right man," Sainz told Italy's Autosprint.

"Everyone in the paddock knows him and I’m sure he’ll do well.

"There will be an adjustment period, but Fred knows Formula 1 very well and also Ferrari. Now there will be this preparation phase before we start working fully with him."

Sainz sees no reasons to doubt Vasseur's impartiality despite his close relationship with Leclerc which the Spaniard considers as an advantage for the Scuderia.

"I don’t think I’m starting from scratch," he added. "As I said, I’m sure I’ll get on well with him and he’ll be happy with me when he sees me work, with my relationship with the team and with Charles.

"I think his well-tested relationship with Leclerc will be very useful to everyone, also to accelerate his adaptation here."

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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.