New Ferrari TP Refuses to Make Tough Decision on Charles Leclerc & Carlos Sainz- For Now

Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc have been teammates for two years. Each has outperformed the other for a year. But now, standing at the dawn of a new season, the team is looking forward to clenching both titles, but only one driver can be the champion. Frederic Vasseur’s choice for Ferrari‘s number one has still not been made. But to make Ferrari number one, the boss needs to pick his number one.

Ferrari took the runners-up title in both championships for the 2022 season. To convert that silver into gold, Maranello has been taking difficult calls. The replacement of Mattia Binotto was one of the biggest public steps, but it doesn’t end there. Frederic Vasseur, the new TP, has to pick the front-runner soon enough as their rivals already have their number one drivers in place.

Formula One F1 – Mexico City Grand Prix – Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City, Mexico – October 30, 2022 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. during the drivers’ parade ahead of the race REUTERS/Henry Romero

As quoted by PlanetF1, Frederic Vasseur has been asked on two occasions about who the team’s number one will be. While the answer may seem obvious to some after 2022 but the new TP has chosen the diplomatic route to maintain harmony. On one occasion, he said, “If at one stage we have to take action, I will take action.” The second time he said, “and if at one stage I have to take action for Carlos or for Charles, I will do it.”

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However, can the Prancing Horse afford to make a folly where they don’t pick their number one and drivers continue to shave points off each other whereas other teams play the team game to put one hand on the drivers’ championship? But alas, strategic calls haven’t been Ferrari’s strong suit.

Fred plays a balancing act between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz

Charles Leclerc won 2 out of the first 3 races in 2022 and having a mammoth lead of 60 points over Verstappen, he was already being considered the next Schumacher. But it went downhill sooner than expected. Leclerc went into the summer break with an 80-point deficit. But he still was the closest to the champion finishing second place in the 2022 season. With Leclerc’s ex-boss back in the team, could he become the official number one of Maranello?

The new TP of Ferrari denies the claim by giving an insight into how he has always seen potential in Carlos as well. In an interview with Motorsport Italy, Vasseur said, “Some people know this story, but not everyone. When I was at Renault, I was the first to put Carlos in contact with the team, and also when I moved to Sauber, I tried to have him with us. I think this is enough to confirm the confidence I have in his qualities, I am convinced that he is a very strong rider.” [Translated using Google]

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The Bahrain GP is within a month’s time. What will the Ferrari bring to the table this year?