Ferrari are reportedly set to wait until a few races into the season before deciding who will be the number one and number two drivers this year.
While maybe not in name, but certainly in nature, Charles Leclerc was perceived as the premier Scuderia driver during Ferrari’s previous partnership between the Monaco-born ace and the recently departed Carlos Sainz.
However, that standing has been thrown into doubt following the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who began work with the Italian constructor earlier this year.
With less than two months until the 2025 season gets underway, reports coming out of Italy suggest Ferrari are willing to play the patient game when it comes to deciding their strategy for the new campaign.
La Gazzetta dello Sport have reported that Ferrari don’t intend to decide their hierarchy until both drivers can get a feel for the new campaign during the season’s first couple of races.
It could present an immediate problem for their chances of success in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships, given any hesitation could hand Red Bull or McLaren an early advantage.
But Ferrari believe, according to the report, this approach will set them up in the best manner for the season as a whole.
Leclerc could take some convincing though, with the 27-year-old reportedly unwilling to play second fiddle, given he’s approaching the prime years of his career.
Should Ferrari establish a clear No.1 and No.2 in their ranks, it would be a departure from the philosophy implemented by Fred Vasseur when he was ushered in as team principal in 2023.
He’s previously said: “There is a clear situation, it’s the same everywhere – we have two very good drivers [Leclerc and Sainz] and both of them are able to do a job.
“We will have the capacity to provide them with the same car, the same structure and the same support.
“What is clear is that the target is to win with Ferrari – and for Ferrari.
“There will be no number one and number two, but if at one stage we have to take action then we will take action.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s for one or the other, but if at one stage in the season we have to do something, then I will do it.”
But given for the first time in a long time Ferrari now have Championship winning experience within their ranks, the Prancing Horse could be forced into a rethink.