Sebastian Vettel says he has to take new Ferrari Formula 1 te🀅a🎉mmate Charles Leclerc “very seriously” in the 2019 title race and views him as a “full rival”. 

Following an impressive rookie F1 campaign with Sauber, Ferrari Driver Acad🐲emy graduate Leclerc has been promoted alongside four-time world champion Vettel at the Scuderia for the upcoming season. 

New Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto suggested last week at the team’s launch of its 2🃏019 car that Vettel may be favoured over Leclerc during the early rounds of the season d𝐆epending on the championship situation. 

Asked if he viewed Leclerc as a threat, Vettel replied: “𝓡Of course - full rival. 

“He got the seat for a reason and I’ve got to take him very seriously. You always have a close 🃏rivalry with your teammate but priority number one is trying to bring the team forward.

“Obviously I’ve been around a lot longer compa༺red to him, different things here he will have on his 🦂plate in the beginning. But he’s a nice kid. 

“In a positive way, leave him alone, let him do his job. I’m certain he will be quick enough and put me under📖 pressure, so we’ll see how it goes.”

21-year-old Leclerc turned heads with his rapid rise up the junior ranks, storming to back-to-back titles in GP3 and Formula 2 before making his F1 debut in 2018, leading to him being tipped to provide an instant challenge to Vettel this se🍌ason. 

Vettel insisted he cannot envision Leclerc causing any fractions within the team, even if he ends up proving a match for the German.&nbs𝄹p;

“I don’t know him as a team mate ๊yet and everyone is differen𓄧t,” Vettel said. “I’m taking it quite straightforward. I’m not the one starting any problems. I don’t expect Charles to start any problems. 

“I’m actually looking forward to it. It’s very🌺 exciting for him, to be in a position to drive the car of his dreams. I can understand that. Even though I’ve been around longer, I still feel the same.”

Leclerc is currently driving Ferrari's new SF90 on the second day of pre-ꦇseason testing in Barcelona, after Vettel topped the timesheets on Monday.