Ferrari team principal Frédéric Wasser explains why his team needs to race and not using a number one driver in 2023 and why Leclerc’s extension isn’t a precedence for the conventional Formula 1 racing team.
New Ferrari Formula 1 team boss Frederik Wasser has pressured 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 obligatory.
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz received 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 rapidly 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 need to give attention to 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 mentioned Ferrari wouldn’t go into the season with the designated No.1 driver.
“We have two superb drivers who can each work,” mentioned the Frenchman. “We have the alternative to supply them the identical automobile, the identical construction and the identical assist. The purpose 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 sooner or later, I’m going to do it. It would not matter if it is one or the different, but when I’m at the identical 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 below 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 robust begin final yr, the Monegasque regarded like a championship contender earlier than dropping floor to Ferrari as the season progressed.
Leclerc ended the yr with extra poles than another driver, however his title ambitions had been hampered by a scarcity of confidence and a few strategic errors as Ferrari struggled to match Red Bull’s race tempo.
However, Wasser mentioned that his important focus isn’t on the future of Leclerc, whose contract has not but expired, however on the efficiency of the team on the highway: “I do not need to deliver this subject to the desk immediately, I feel this isn’t a solution to begin this collaboration,” mentioned Wasser.
“To get a outcome, now we have to give attention to the sporting facet. And if each side of the desk are proud of the state of affairs, then we are going to transfer on. But I do not suppose that’s the precedence immediately. We have a great relationship. And we could have time to debate it.”
.