Binotto: Ferrari will prioritise Vettel over Leclerc in 2019

New Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has admitted that the team will prioritise Sebastian Vettel as the team's first driver over the highly-rated but relatively inexperienced Charles Leclerc.

Although many have tipped Leclerc to cause his new four-time champion teammate a few headaches throughout the new season, the team looks to be retaining its number one and two driver policy as it did with Kimi Raikkonen previously.

Binotto did admit however that should circumstances change, the team would have no issues with making their new driver the number one in the team.

Speaking at the launch of the SF90, Binotto reinforced Vettel's position as the Italian team's number one and said their priority was to win the championship with the German.

"I think it's normal, especially early in the season, that if there are particular situations our priority will be Sebastian. He is the guide with which we aim for the championship.

"But there's no prejudice - the absolute priority is for Ferrari to win."

Although he impressed throughout his rookie season, Binotto also pointed out that having joined an experienced teammate in Vettel, Leclerc will have much to learn in 2019.

"To have a driver pairing so competitive I think it's not a problem but an opportunity. Sebastian has little to prove, and he remains our guide. Charles still has to learn, as pointed out by himself, but we know how talented he is.

"I hope to have this problem of having two drivers to manage among the top positions."