Alesi always expected Leclerc to be number 2

Charles Leclerc is a man with huge amounts of talent as he prepares to enter his first season as a Ferrari driver, but former F1 driver Jean Alesi believes it was expected that Leclerc would have to play second fiddle behind Sebastian Vettel.

Leclerc has made the big step up to the Scuderia from Sauber who replaced the driver from Monaco with former Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen. The Monegasque only made his F1 debut in 2018 but impressed last season to earn himself the promotion.

Vettel was confirmed as Ferrari’s number one heading into the season and Alesi was by no means surprised Binotto’s admission.

Speaking to Radio Sportiva Alesi said: “I have no doubt that Vettel is preferred and Leclerc plays second violin.

"But still, I think it will be very exciting between the two.

“The plan seems to me that Vettel must be first and Leclerc just second, but who knows.

“The season is long with 21 races! Vettel has at least everything to grab the title, so let's see what happens in Melbourne."

Alesi also chimed in on the world title debate and fancied the Red Bull’s to cause a few surprises.

“The new Red Bull Honda will be very competitive," he added.