Mattia Binotto explains why a Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc line-up would be “difficult to manage” for Ferrari. Mattia Binotto explains a Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc line-up would be "difficult to manage".

Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Mattia Binotto rules out a Max Verstappen switch to the Maranello team as a relationship between the Dutchman and current driver Charles Leclerc would be too “difficult to manage”. The 49-year-old is happy with Charles Leclerc’s form in his opening season and wouldn’t want to risk any potential problems inside the Italian garage. 

Ferrari traditionally work with a lead driver and a support driver. Mattia Binotto looks back at when Michael Schumacher was scooping up F1 world championships year after year as a blueprint to use for his future driver line-up. 

“I grew up in Michael’s time. Next to him were (Rubens) Barrichello and (Felipe) Massa. I think we should have a top driver and another driver who can win races and score points. Like Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas,” Mattia Binotto told La Gazzetta Dello Sport. 

The team boss of the Italian team does not think the arrival of Verstappen is possible while Charles Leclerc is still driving at Ferrari. “Having two drivers of this calibre is very difficult to manage well.”

Sebastian Vettel is contracted to drive for Ferrari through until the end of the 2020 Formula 1 season. Despite many mistakes in 2019 and 12 months without a win, Binotto sees no reason to ditch his four-time world champion. 

“With Sebastian, we will be going around the table to compare his intentions and expectations with ours. There is currently no reason to separate, but a lot will happen between now and next spring,” he adds.