When Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel were teammates at Ferrari, they pushed each other to the limit. However, one of the incidents that marked a turning point in their rivalry was the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix.
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When they fought against each other in Interlagos, the two collided, which took them both out of the running. Now, in 2021, Leclerc is Carlos Sainz’s team-mate. They haven’t got in each other’s way so far, but team principal Mattia Binotto still felt he’d see the 2019 race rerun if they pushed each other too hard.
It did not, however, and Binotto was grateful but hopes they will have such great battles in future races.
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Ferrari boss in peace after Charles Leclerc and Sainz failed to repeat 2019 mistakes
As soon as the lights went out in Interlagos, Sainz and Leclerc went to the limits of their Ferraris. When they fought against each other, Binotto was afraid to see what he had seen two years ago. However, he was at peace as they did not crash.
Formula 1 F1 – Monaco Grand Prix – Circuit de Monaco, Monte Carlo, Monaco – May 20, 2021 Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto at the FIA press conference FIA / Handout about REUTERS
In an interview with Motorsport, Binotto said: “Today they did their duty very well, they argued with each other at the beginning of the race and let me relive moments that I had already experienced two years ago (with the Leclerc-Vettel contact in Brazil)
“But it went well. I was afraid they weren’t taking too many risks. They know what they can do with each other. I hope that they will fight each other again and keep the safety margin that they know. ” (Translated with Google translator)
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Where did Sainz and Leclerc end in the Brazilian GP?
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The Spaniard started the race in third place, while his team-mate from Monaco ended up in sixth place. Both were hoping to get into the top 3 as they were in a good position to do so.
Formula 1 F1 – Brazilian Grand Prix – Jose Carlos Pace Circuit, Sao Paulo, Brazil – November 12, 2021 Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. in action during practice REUTERS / Ricardo Moraes
However, when the checkered flag finished the race, Leclerc finished fifth, scooping ten points, while Sainz crossed the line in sixth, earning the Italian team eight points.
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Just a week before the Qatar Grand Prix, both Sainz and Leclerc are hoping to get back on their feet after the Brazilian GP and get the maximum number of points for the constructors’ championship.
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