Vasseur: Ferrari drivers on equal footing but 'I will take action'

Frédéric Vasseur says there will be no number one driver at Ferrari this season, but the Scuderia chief "will take action" if circumstances warrant team orders.

Last season, Charles Leclerc emerged as an early title contender along with Red Bull's Max Verstappen, the Monegasque winning two of the season's opening three races and outperforming teammate Carlos Sainz.

However, Leclerc's challenge eventually waned as Ferrari progressively lost its footing.

There was speculation after Vasseur's nomination as Ferrari's new team principal that Leclerc's performances coupled with his close relationship with the Scuderia's new chief and his former mentor would perhaps award him number 1 status ahead of the start of the season.

But Vasseur has made clear that both its drivers will be on equal footing at the outset. However, things could change later on in the season depending on how Ferrari's campaign unfolds.

"I think it's the same everywhere that we have two very good drivers and both of them are able to do the job," Vasseur told the media on Thursday.

"We will have the capacity to provide them with exactly the same car and the same structure and the same support.

"What is clear is that the target is to win with Ferrari, there will be no number one or number two. But if at one stage we have to take action, I will take action.

"It doesn't matter if it's one or the other but, if at one stage in the season I have to do something, then I will do it."

• Read also: Vasseur 'really convinced' Ferrari has everything to win F1 title

Last season, Sainz struggled relative to Leclerc although the Spaniard gradually clawed back part of his deficit to the Monegasque, while the 28-year-old also won his maiden Grand Prix over the summer.

Vasseur is well acquainted with Sainz, having attracted the former Red Bull driver to Renault during his tenure at the helm of the French outfit.

"You probably know that we started the discussion with Carlos and Carlos' management when I was at Renault to attract him and to sign the contract for 2017 or something," recalled Vasseur.

"Then he joined a bit later and, when I was Sauber, I tried to sign Carlos again, [but this time] without success, and I said 'okay, if I want to attract Carlos, the best way is to join the team where he is!'

"We have always had a very good relationship. I trust him, and I think he showed in the last couple of years that he is potential winner.

"But it's very important for the team that we don't have a number one and a number two.

"The organisation is crystal clear, but they have to do their job, and if at any stage I have to take action for Carlos and for Charles, I will do it."

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