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By Andrew Benson
Chief F1 writer at Suzuka
Ferrari motorists Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc state theyve set their dispute over team requests at the Russian Grand Prix supporting them.
Vettel discounted orders to let Leclerc a number of times in the early laps of the race, reneging on a pre-race agreement between the drivers and team.
We talked about it, even more than once. It is pretty clear and it is two weeks before, so moving forward, said Vettel.
Leclerc statedeverything is clear more than what he called amisunderstanding.
The 21-year-old from Monaco included:Clearly it felt as though it was a massive deal from the exterior – which it certainly wasnt. But, yeah, now everything is fine.
The agreement with the drivers ahead of the race in Russia of the team had been for Leclerc, who started from pole position, to give Vettel, who opened third behind Lewis Hamiltons Mercedes, a slipstream down to the corner to make sure they ran one-two.
The strategy was for Leclerc to allow Vettel overtake him to the first corner, but also for Vettel to let him back into the lead.
However, Vettel refused to move over claiming they should attempt to pull clear of Hamilton prior to doing the manoeuvre, then Leclerc was too much behind for him to slow down and then allow him past.
In the long run, the problem was resolved at the pit stops, when Ferrari pitted Leclerc initial and conducted Vettel more, which enabled Leclerc to operate faster on new tyres and thus be forward when Vettel left his pit stop, although the team refused this had been deliberate.
Leclerc, who joined Ferrari this season, said it had beenclear from the start of the season the group had to obey team orders added:Whats clear is that the situation was not clear for the drivers, starting the raceand I believe that is the most important (thing).
We spoke about it and we will ensure this situation does not happen again in the future
Vettel added:We didnt write anything in stone. Obviously likely certain things we could have done better looking back but in the end we look forward to this race and the next races.
The 32-year-old denied that his activities were affected by the fact that Leclerc was out-performing him in preceding races.
Leclerc has won 2 races and Vettel a single, has five sticks for his one, and has Vettel nine times in a row.
Vettel stated:Obviously Im happy if Im slower, while its qualifying or practice or race. And that is the exact same not only this past year.
There are definite things this season (by which) I struggled here and there with the car which did not let me possibly infusion my best, but I dont think that it would have been another if anyone else would have been at the other vehicle.
Charles was doing a very good job, but its largely, I usually believe, a race against yourself and then the others. In that regard, I fought to extract everything I understand I have in me.
However on the other side it also appears different on the outside than its on the inside. There have been races at which matters maybe didnt fall into place so didnt look that great on the outside but we were doing the proper things and tackling the ideal things on the interior, so I am not concerned in that respect
Hamilton described the scenario at Ferrari asan interesting dynamic, saying:There is always going to be more friction because youve contradictory objectives. Its a team but its also an individual game with two motorists and you are constantly trying to balance friction and that conflict.
Its managing from the top down. It is just how its handled, and communication is key. There are different philosophies between these two teams and in these years well see how it functions.
It has not worked for a long time together and it probably wont in the future
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Analysis and comment from the main Formula 1 author of the BBC.
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