MOTORSPORT LAP
Ferrari defend use of team orders to help Vettel
The move compromised Leclerc’s race, who was denied a maiden win by an engine problem two weeks ago
Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto has defended a decision to use team orders in favour of four-times Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel in Sunday’s Chinese Grand Prix. The German’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, had made a better start and was in third place, with Vettel close behind, when the team gave instructions for the Monegasque to let his teammate through early on. The attempt to close the gap on Mercedes rivals Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, who were pulling away at the front and won one-two, failed and Vettel finished third with Leclerc dropping to fifth. “Certainly it’s difficult as a team to give the order because we understand the drivers, they need to battle, to stay ahead as much as they can,” Binotto, who took over in January, told reporters. “We tried everything we could not to lose time on the Mercedes ahead and that was among the only chance we got at the time,” said the Swiss-born boss. “So, we tried. It didn’t work, let’s say. But I think it was right anyway ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.