21-year-old Leclerc from Monaco replaces Kimi Raikkonen (Finland).

Sebastian Vettel receives in the new Formula 1 season at Ferrari first priority over his teammate Charles Leclerc from Monaco. "Sebastian will be our first driver," confirmed team boss Mattia Binotto the news magazine "Spiegel". The German Vettel is in his fifth year at the Scuderia and finally wants to win his first title with the Italian team.

The 21-year-old newcomer Leclerc replaces the Finn Kimi Raikkonen. He should internally challenge Vettel stronger and drive to excellence. Team boss Binotto is also new to Ferrari. He had already indicated several times, for the time being to want to put the four-time champion Vettel as the number 1 driver.

But there is no long-term guarantee. "The course of the season will show how things unfold. The guys are free to fight on the track - we need that to do their best, their maximum, "said Binotto.

The new season starts on 17 March with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. In recent test rides in Barcelona, ​​the Ferrari drivers had nurtured the hopes of hitting defending champion Lewis Hamilton with strong performances.