Ferrari Team Boss Opens Up on a Potential Verstappen-LeClerc Partnership

A few days ago, Max Verstappen fuelled the flames of a fresh rumour, saying that he would be happy to partner Charles LeClerc. He believes that the two of them could get along well in the same team. However, Ferrari team boss, Mattia Binotto is not so easily convinced that that is the case.

The Italian team principal is of the opinion that a team of young upstarts, ‘would be difficult to manage’. In a way, he is right to an extent, if one can cast their mind back to 2007. That was the year, a fresh-faced Lewis Hamilton squared off against Fernando Alonso in the same team. Of course, every Formula One fan knew how that turned out.

Besides, having two lead drivers racing each other is not at all Ferrari’s style in Formula 1. Their policy has always been a clear number 1 and number 2 driver, and that formula worked for them almost every time. The Michael Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello era is a clear indication of that and Binotto knows it.

“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,” Binotto told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

If Max Verstappen were to join Ferrari alongside Charles LeClerc, it would end very badly. The Dutchman would enter the team, expecting to be treated like a number 1 driver.

However, there is the problem of Charles LeClerc would would be seeking the number 1 status for himself, as Ferrari’s rising star. Would it escalate to Hamilton-Alonso levels of animosity? we will never know, and we may shudder to even think about it

“Having two drivers of this calibre is very difficult to manage well.” Binotto continued. On that note, the 49-year old even brought out into the open the situation surrounding the misfiring Sebastian Vettel. With the 4-time world champion underperforming and getting his tail kicked by LeClerc, many expect him to be booted out soon.

However, Ferrari and Binotto are still keeping the faith in the German to shrug off his demons. Though, Binotto did shed light that Vettel’s future is being discussed.

“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,”