Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto has issued a strong vote of confidence in Sebastian Vettel. The four-time Formula One world champion began the 2019 season as the clear number 1, but a few mistakes and 21-year-old newcomer Charles Leclerc’s rises in status have led to a diffcult period for the German driver. However, Mattia Binotto insists that the crisis-struck German’s 2020 contract will be honoured.
“The whole team loves and supports him,” the Italian engineer told Germany’s Sport Bild – “The Ferrari fans very much celebrated him in Milan at our 90th anniversary event, and that was after Spa, where he did not have his best day.” – he added.
Last week, Mattia Binotto ruled out signing up Max Verstappen to be Charles Leclerc’s next teammate, declaring that Scuderia Ferrari needs “a great first driver and another driver who can win races and score points”. And now he tells Sport Bild: “Sebastian is a leader. He helps us to develop in the right direction and keeps coming up with new ideas and possibilities. Sebastian drives us to get better and better,” Mattia Binotto added. “He is not just a driver, he’s an important part of the team with a great team spirit. You could see this in the team photo after his disappointment in Monza when everybody clapped and shouted ‘Seb! Seb! Seb!” – the Italian side’s Team Principal concluded, agead of the 2019 Singapore Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place this weekend at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
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