Ferrari’s change in policy regarding its two drivers this year does not mean the team has ruled out using team orders.

At the launch of the team’s new car earlier this month team principal Mattia Binotto confirmed Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc would receive equal treatment, reflecting Leclerc’s strong showing in his first season of F1.

But last week Binotto said he remains prepared to use team orders in “clear situations” to secure the best possible result for Ferrari.

Leclerc has “already proved to be ready” to fight on equal terms with Vettel, said Binotto. “He did a fantastic, great season last year. He has [performed] on the same level at the end of Sebastian as well in terms of final results. I think he has proved that he can do it. So I think it’s right that they are on the same level to start the 2020 season.

“They know as well that the team has the first priority. So team orders may still be there. I’m not saying that they are free to race, that there will be no team orders. So there may be team orders to the benefit of the entire team. But it has to be a clear situation.”

Vettel and Leclerc collided during the Brazilian Grand Prix late last season, but Binotto is confident they will avoid any further run-ins this year.

“I think that last year has been very useful to both of them and myself to know each other, to understand how we should behave and what should be the rules in the team, what priority the team has first,” he said. “I think that the two drivers now know each other a lot more better and they are behaving well.

“I’m very happy with the level of discussion we’ve got, the level of contribution to the car, to the team and the way clearly they are discussing. So I think that generally speaking, there is not much to tell them because they understand perfectly what should be the way to behave when on track.”

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2020 F1 season