Charles Leclerc believes his close relationship with Frederic Vasseur "should not influence" the decision-making process as Ferrari hunt for a new Formula 1 Team Principal. Mattia Binotto handed in his resignation from the Scuderia after the 2022 campaign was over, as Ferrari finished second in both championships as Leclerc was runner-up to Max Verstappen. However, given the speed of the F1-75, more was expected with Binotto paying the price for failing to claim a first championship since their 2008 Constructors' title. He is set to leave the team at the end of the season, with Alfa Romeo boss Frederic Vasseur touted as a possible replacement. Vasseur ran Leclerc at Sauber in his debut campaign of 2018 as well as working with him during his junior days - but Leclerc is adamant that this relationship should not determine whether the Frenchman is given the job.
Leclerc explains Vasseur links
"Ferrari is a very different team to any other teams," Leclerc explained to media, including RacingNews365.com , at the annual FIA prize giving ceremony in Bologna. 'I can only comment on my experience with Fred which obviously has been good, I've worked with him already in the junior categories when he believed in me. "We've always had a good relationship, but that shouldn't influence any of the decisions. "He's always been very straightforward and very honest - it is something I've liked from Fred. "Whether it will be him or not, I don't know. Hopefully we'll see in the next few months.
Leclerc reveals Binotto call
The Monegasque also revealed how the out-going Binotto had called him before the news of his departure was made public - thanking him for showing belief in his abilities. "Mattia called me to announce that that that he would stop - and I respect his decision," Leclerc explained. "I can only thank him because he has believed in me right from the start, he gave me a very, very long contract extension. "Before being Team Principal, he was also inside the Scuderia for many years and he has contributed to the success the team had in the past years, so I wish him the best. "Obviously now it's up to us to focus on the future and try to take the right choices in order to be a bit more of a challenge to Red Bull next year."
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