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Ferrari will prioritise Sebastian Vettel over Charles Leclerc in early races

Ferrari admits Sebastian Vettel will get priority treatment in the opening portion of the 2019 Formula One season if there are particular situations which require it.

Ferrari was criticised for its application of team orders last year, having hesitated at several key moments -- it dithered on ordering Kimi Raikkonen to move over for Vettel in Germany before allowing its drivers to fight for the lead on the opening lap of the Italian Grand Prix, handing the initiative to Lewis Hamilton. By contrast, Mercedes wasted little time implementing similar instructions in Germany and Russia.

Further strategy blunders and a series of errors from Vettel ultimately prevented him from winning the championship.