Ferrari team principal Frédéric Wasser explains why his team needs to race with no number one driver in 2023 and why Leclerc’s extension will not be a precedence for the conventional Formula 1 racing team.
New Ferrari Formula 1 team boss Frederik Wasser has careworn that he is not going to be the team’s number one driver this season, however on the different hand he is not going to hesitate to “act” if essential.
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz gained the race for Ferrari final yr, however Leclerc completed the season second in the championship, 62 factors forward of Sainz, who admitted it was tough to adapt to the Ferrari F1-75 as shortly as his team-mate.
Rumors of team orders between Leclerc and Sainz emerged at Imola final season at Round 4, after Leclerc took an early lead in the championship by profitable two of the first three races. However, Ferrari emphasised that they by no means wish to concentrate on one driver.
Ferrari team boss Wasser: No hesitation
Wasser took over at Ferrari earlier this month and beforehand labored with Leclerc throughout the Monegasque’s rookie season at Sauber in 2018.
In his first press convention after being named team boss on Thursday, Wasser stated Ferrari wouldn’t go into the season with the designated No.1 driver.
“We have two superb drivers who can each work,” stated the Frenchman. “We have the alternative to supply them the similar automotive, the similar construction and the similar assist. The aim is clearly to win for Ferrari and for Ferrari.”
“It’s not going to be number one or number two. But if I’ve to do one thing in some unspecified time in the future, I’m going to do it. It does not matter if it is one or the different, but when I’m at the similar level in the season. If I’ve to do one thing, I’m going to do it.”
A brand new Leclerc contract is “not a precedence” for Ferrari team boss Wasser.
While each Leclerc and Sainz are underneath contract with Ferrari till the finish of the 2024 season, Leclerc’s future is prone to be the topic of dialog following Wasser’s arrival. After a powerful begin final yr, the Monegasque appeared like a championship contender earlier than dropping floor to Ferrari as the season progressed.
Leclerc ended the yr with extra poles than every other driver, however his title ambitions had been hampered by an absence of confidence and a few strategic errors as Ferrari struggled to match Red Bull’s race tempo.
However, Wasser stated that his principal focus will not be on the future of Leclerc, whose contract has not but expired, however on the efficiency of the team on the highway: “I do not wish to convey this subject to the desk at present, I feel this isn’t a strategy to begin this collaboration,” stated Wasser.
“To get a end result, we now have to concentrate on the sporting aspect. And if either side of the desk are pleased with the state of affairs, then we’ll transfer on. But I do not assume that’s the precedence at present. We have a superb relationship. And we can have time to debate it.”
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