Ferrari predicted to set number one driver in "three-four grands prix"

Two-time F1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi has predicted Ferrari will designate Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz as its "number one" driver in the near future.

In previous championship-winning years, Ferrari has often operated with one driver in a clear team leader role with the other providing support.

This has not been the case so far this year with team principal Mattia Binotto claiming points leader Leclerc and team-mate Sainz will be "free to fight" at Imola this weekend despite the former holding a 38 point margin in the drivers' standings.

But former Lotus and McLaren driver Fittipaldi does not expect this situation to last for long.

Suggesting that selecting a number one driver may not be a conscious decision from Ferrari, Fittipaldi explained to VegasInsider: "I don't think Ferrari will choose who is number 1.

"I think Ferrari, automatically, who'll be leading the championship, the next three-four grands prix, will have more support from the team.

"But so far, there is no number one, number two driver right now.

"My opinion, looking from the outside, they have the same equipment, the same effort [from the team]."

Ferrari "the package of the year"

In the opening three races of the season, only Red Bull has been able to match Ferrari for pace, but the Milton Keynes-based team has fallen behind due to poor reliability.

"To me, Ferrari has the best package of the year," added Fittipaldi.

"They look reliable, they look fast in different conditions, in different tracks. They got around the new rules better than anybody else, in my opinion.

"Very powerful engine, good mechanical grip, good downforce, good aerodynamic grip."

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