Ferrari ‘knows how to move forward’ from clash after driver talks

Ferrari Formula 1 team principal Mattia Binotto says Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc "know how to move forward” after holding clear-the-air talks following their Brazilian Grand Prix collision.

Vettel and Leclerc clashed late in the race at Interlagos while squabbling over fourth place on the run to Turn 4, with both drivers forced into retirement with damage to their respective cars despite what looked to be minor contact.

Binotto labelled the incident as a “silly action” but steered clear of pinning the blame on either driver, instead summoning both Vettel and Leclerc to a meeting to review the crash at its Maranello headquarters following the weekend.

Speaking during a Ferrari fan Q&A video ahead of this weekend’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Binotto revealed that both drivers have agreed the collision was “not acceptable”.

Asked if Ferrari had now cleared up the situation, Binotto replied: ”Yes, we did it.

“We did it the Sunday after the race, but we did it as well in the following days, during the week.

"We discussed together, all three together, individually, and I think that they understand what happened was not acceptable. And we know how to move forward.”

Binotto insisted the relationship between Vettel and Leclerc has not been damaged despite what has appeared to be growing fractions between the pair throughout the season, with another flashpoint occurring in Sochi after Vettel swerved a team orders call.

"The truth is they have fun together, as they enjoy a good and harmonious relationship, which is maybe quite different to what you might read or think,” Binotto said.

"You could think that they are in conflict on the track, but that is not the case.

"For example, I remember that after the controversy in Russia, the three of us were together in a restaurant in Japan, having fun.

“They even grabbed each other's phones to see what photos they had on them. It’s always fun and it's nice that they enjoy each other's company.

“They are good teammates because they are very fast and they are good teammates because they are very good team players.”