Charles Leclerc says he expects Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel to be “very strong” in 2020, dismissing suggestions that contract uncertainty will hurt the German.
Vettel, who joined Ferrari at the start of 2015, is out of contract at the end of the 2020 campaign, the start of which has been indefinitely delayed by the coronavirus.
Leclerc, meanwhile, renewed with Ferrari through 2024 during the winter months.
The pair linked up for 2019 and had several on-track flashpoints, most notably in Singapore and Russia, before colliding in Brazil.
“With Sebastian the relationship has always been good,” Leclerc insisted.
“Last year there have been some tricky moments but our relationship stayed the same, which I think is a good thing.
“I think we are both mature enough to do the separation on what happens on track and off track.
“I feel very lucky to be in a position where I have a long-term contract and I am happy to be in this position.
“I also know in his position, in a way, as my last two years I only had one-year contracts.
“I don’t think it will be destabilise him. He is a very strong driver and I expect him to be strong anyway.”
On whether he wants Vettel to stay into 2021, Leclerc said: “I am very good with him by my side but I will respect Ferrari’s decision in case they want to change.”
