Minardi: Both Vettel and Raikkonen under threat from younger teammates

Giancarlo Minardi believes both Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen will get caught out from their younger counterparts. Vettel will be joined by Charles Leclerc, who impressed last season, while Raikkonen gets Ferrari academy driver Antonio Giovinazzi to pair up with.

The former boss of his own team, Minardi expects both world champions to be put under pressure by the up and coming drivers.

"I'm expecting a fascinating and interesting season," he told the Minardi.it earlier in the week.

"Having a young driver such as Leclerc rather than a proven driver like Raikkonen will be an important incentive for Vettel [at Ferrari].

"Each young driver that enters into Formula 1 or in a top team brings the will to emerge and to make things difficult for his teammate. I consider Leclerc predestined with fantastic natural talent.

"[Vettel] must show that he has left behind negativity of last season in which some mental gaps emerged. [He will have to] come back to being the four-time world champion at the start of the season. The Finn [Raikkonen] will really have to watch over his shoulder for Giovinazzi because I am sure he will be able to put him in trouble," he added.

Giovinazzi has competed in two Grands Prix for Sauber in 2017. The 25-year-old also drove in free practice sessions last season as he looks to capitalise on a chance he's wanted for many a year.

Leclerc at Ferrari gives the Italian team a completely different dynamic compared to their usual strategy. It gives the build-up to the season a little extra gloss and sparkle either way.