Four-time world champion and former Ferrari driver Alain Prost says tensions at the Scuderia are likely to ramp up in 2020 as the rivalry between Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel intensifies.

Leclerc has come into his own since the end of F1's summer break, outpacing Vettel in terms of pure speed and clinching his first two career wins in the sport.

However, the balanced atmosphere within the Italian squad was challenged in Sochi following Vettel's defiance of team orders, and while both drivers played down the incident, the battle for supremacy is on at Ferrari.

Looking ahead, Prost believes that Scuderia boss Mattia Binotto will be challenged in 2020 to keep the peace at the House of Maranello.

"It's a complicated management situation, because initially it was Vettel with his experience who was considered as the team's number one driver," Prost told RMC at Monaco's Sportel.

"After how events unfolded, it's now become difficult to manage. But I think it's really going to get complicated next year.

"I do see Ferrari continuing to perform and the fight between Charles and Sebastian will need to be managed.

"And it won't be easy because if the car is good, they may be fighting each other for the title. But they'll have to be careful not to give it to Mercedes."

Prost admitted to being very impressed by Leclerc development and blossoming this season.

"He's already a star," said the Renault F1 director.

"The real surprise has been his ability to adapt to the status of almost a number 1 driver in a team like Ferrari that has never taken on a young driver. It's the first time.

"It's not easy to withstand the pressure and he's enduring it well despite a few difficult moments. In terms of maturity, he's very impressive."

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