Binotto: "They'll have equal opportunity, certainly at the start of the season"

Carlos Sainz appeared for the first time on Friday in Ferrari red in Maranello, together with Charles Leclerc. Mattia Binotto sat between them and assured them that none of the drivers would receive preferential treatment.

"There is nothing written in the contract of Charles being the [team] leader,” Binotto is quoted by Motorsport.com. "I think that the two will be free to fight on track. I think it's important that they are not damaging themselves, that is clear, but I think that they will have equal opportunity, certainly at the start of the season.”

After the arrival of Charles Leclerc at Ferrari in 2019, problems in this area arose almost immediately. The team had identified Sebastian Vettel as the clear number one at the beginning of that season, but Leclerc was faster after just a few races. This caused friction that affected Ferrari for the rest of the season. Binotto doesn't want to make that mistake again, so wait and see.