Leclerc ready to do anything to change Ferrari team orders

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc said that he will do anything to reverse the team orders that have been favouring teammate Sebastian Vettel so far this season. In the opening three races of the season, Leclerc was ordered by the team to not obstruct Vettel during the race.

Leclerc lost out to Vettel at the start of the Bahrain Grand Prix, but ignored team orders and re-passed Vettel at turn one for the lead as he attempted to obtain his first Grand Prix victory.

"I have to show what I can do on the racetrack, and then hopefully the situation will change some day", said Leclerc. "Like every driver here, I want to be the fastest. So far, I have understood every decision, even though it is sometimes difficult for a driver to accept it." 

At the opening round in Melbourne, Leclerc was ordered by the team not to challenge Vettel for fourth position and to stay behind, as well as being told to let his teammate by in China. Despite the frustration, Leclerc can understand the favouritism towards his more experienced teammate.

Leclerc looked on course also to be a main challenger for pole position once again last weekend in Baku, until an accident in the second part of qualifying left him starting eighth on the grid, eventually finishing fifth in the race and while taking the extra point for fastest lap in the process.

"I have a four-time world champion next to me driving for Ferrari in his fifth year. I understand that there is a hierarchy at the moment, but I will do anything to change that," Leclerc added. "The boys on the pit wall have a better overview of the race. So, to some extent, I will do what is required of me."

 

I really don't get how Ferrari is managing to squander this. I mean, I get it, because it's Ferrari, but even so. Have they learned nothing from just how Mercedes crushed when they had both Hammy and Rosberg on board? Haven't they learned from how dangerous Red Bull were to them and Merc', despit... [Read more]

  • 1
  • May 5 2019 - 13:03

Replies (4)

Login to reply
  • I really don't get how Ferrari is managing to squander this. I mean, I get it, because it's Ferrari, but even so. Have they learned nothing from just how Mercedes crushed when they had both Hammy and Rosberg on board? Haven't they learned from how dangerous Red Bull were to them and Merc', despite having a sub-par car, just because they had the flexibility two competitive drivers with different skill sets can offer? They have gold in their hands with a four time champ and a rising junior equalling or even besting him!

    • + 1
    • May 5 2019 - 13:03
  • f1ski

    Posts: 726

    If you don't want to manage this issue you bring on a clear number two. I think as Leclerc show his speed the desire for points will win. I wonder how much of Vettels poor luck was pressing vs not having the skills of his prime. We all lose them to time.

    • + 1
    • May 5 2019 - 14:25
  • Simple solution, let your driving do the talking and of course disobey a few team orders here in there when you're clearly the fastest.

    • + 0
    • May 5 2019 - 15:35
    • Ooh, this. Be a dragon, Leclerc!

      • + 0
      • May 6 2019 - 17:28

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia
21 - Mar 23 2025
China
4 - Apr 6 2025
Japan
11 - Apr 13 2025
Bahrain
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America
16 - May 18 2025
Italy
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco
30 - Jun 1 2025
Spain
13 - Jun 15 2025
Canada
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom
25 - Jul 27 2025
Belgium
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan
3 - Oct 5 2025
Singapore
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America
24 - Oct 26 2025
Mexico
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America
28 - Nov 30 2025
Qatar
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2025

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
14 - Mar 16 2025
Australia Albert Park
21 - Mar 23 2025
4 - Apr 6 2025
11 - Apr 13 2025
18 - Apr 20 2025
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
2 - May 4 2025
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
16 - May 18 2025
23 - May 25 2025
Monaco Monte Carlo
30 - Jun 1 2025
13 - Jun 15 2025
27 - Jun 29 2025
Austria Red Bull Ring
4 - Jul 6 2025
United Kingdom Silverstone
25 - Jul 27 2025
1 - Aug 3 2025
Hungary Hungaroring
29 - Aug 31 2025
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
5 - Sep 7 2025
Italy Monza
19 - Sep 21 2025
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
3 - Oct 5 2025
17 - Oct 19 2025
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
24 - Oct 26 2025
7 - Nov 9 2025
Brazil Interlagos
21 - Nov 23 2025
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
28 - Nov 30 2025
5 - Dec 7 2025
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Country Germany
  • Date of b. Jul 3 1987 (38)
  • Place of b. Heppenheim, Germany
  • Weight 62 kg
  • Length 1.75 m
Show full profile

Team profile

Show full profile
show sidebar