Ferrari could 'change' driver status

Vettel led the Ferrari row in Shanghai qualifying - the cars qualified with team cars side-by-side, driver talent meaning very little

Vettel led the Ferrari row in Shanghai qualifying – almost all the cars qualified with team cars side-by-side, driver talent meaning very little

(GMM) For the first time, Mattia Binotto says Ferrari could "change" its number 1 driver in 2019.

But for now, he is backing the heavily criticised Sebastian Vettel, who in Bahrain struggled to shine alongside newcomer Charles Leclerc.

"As I said at the start of the season, if there is a 50-50 situation then the advantage will be given to Sebastian simply because Sebastian has got most of the experience," the Ferrari boss said.

But Leclerc almost won in Bahrain, and Binotto said the priority is always for Ferrari to win.

"Something we agreed with both drivers is, in a few races' time, things may chance for whatever reason. We may change our position, no doubt," he said.

Leclerc declared on Thursday that he would like to be Ferrari's number 1, but he added a day later that he understands his current situation.

"I've said it before that I understand it," said the 21-year-old.

"As a team, we need a number 1 and a number 2. But I will try to change that as soon as possible.

"I need to start on pole and then stay in front, but that will not be easy," Leclerc added.