F1 News

Binotto has a tough juggling act with drivers in 2020

Binotto has a tough juggling act with drivers in 2020

28-12-2019 16:16
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2019 was a year to forget for Ferrari as they were left trailing in Mercedes dust as Lewis Hamilton won a sixth Drivers' Championship. On several occasions, Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel clashed during the season. Luca di Montezemolo believes Mattia Binotto has a juggling act on his hands next season.

Ferrari were followed by controversy from the first lights out at the Australian Grand Prix as team orders got between their two drivers. Vettel was preferred earlier in the season but as Leclerc grew in confidence it was an even playing field. 

The Monegasque eventually finished above his teammate and they'll start 2020 on a level playing field. Luca di Montezemolo believes Mattia Binotto faces a big challenge trying to balance his two drivers.

"Leclerc is a driver who can win, a tough guy in the races and intelligent, who learns from his mistakes and can become a champion," the former chairman told Sky Sport.

"Certainly there have been moments that have had a negative impact on the team, the drivers must know that they are not running for themselves as I said it once to Barrichello.

"It takes clarity, a lot of willingness of both to realize this. This is a great responsibility that Binotto and the team will have, a delicate issue.

"Vettel must be calm, have confidence in his abilities, which are very strong. He must have a very open dialogue with the team. When it comes to the end of contracts there are delicate years."