Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Will Ferrari see red again?

Abu Dhabi - Leclerc said peace had been made and reiterated that there won't be a repeat

The Formula One Championship titles - the Drivers and the Constructors - for all intents and purposes, has already been put to bed before the train chugged into Abu Dhabi.
And while, it perhaps could be a sort of a relaxed weekend at the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, there are some intriguing sub-plots, not least being the battle of the Ferrari teammates.
Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, his mate from the Ferrari stable, had a rather uncomfortable collision in Brazil, last time out.
With five laps left to go, Vettel tried to make a pass at Leclerc, heading into Turn Four at the circuit in Interlagos. The pair were jostling for fourth with Leclerc having pulled off a fine move on Turn One.
As a result, Vettel's left rear tyre brushed with Leclerc's front right wheel and the former saw his suspension fail and he also had to endure a puncture.
Both drivers were since jettisoned to Maranello, the team's headquarters, with team principal Mattia Binotto having more than a word with the duo.
Although, it is being said that they have since kissed and made up, it would be really interesting to see if they do follow the memo here. Both are racers and they will go for broke, and if a situation arises yet again, it remains to be seen how that pans out.
Leclerc said peace had been made and reiterated that there won't be a repeat.
"We looked at it and obviously to try and understand how we could have made things better," Leclerc said at the Yas Marina Circuit on Thursday, ahead of the race weekend.
"I think it was very unfortunate, first of all, because the touch was extremely small and we had a big drama after that. So, that was a little bit unlucky. But, as a team, we probably should try and be a bit less aggressive between each other so that these things don't happen again. For the team, it is not good, for everyone that is supporting us, it is not good. So, we will try to make sure it doesn't happen again," he added.
Explaining the crash, the Monegasque driver said: "I think Seb shouldn't have gone to the left and he knows it. And I could've done a better job of avoiding him going to the left. Both of us have a bit of responsibilities but the most important thing is we move forward."
The 22-year-old, who is in his first season with Ferrari, did add that it would be about finding the right way to deal if a situation arises.
"I think things doesn't change. We will be able to race together. Obviously, Seb (Sebastian Vettel) and myself are very competitive. We both want to win but we also need to find the right compromise. We are also racing for the same team. And as I said earlier, we need to be less aggressive towards each other, give a little bit more space for these things to not happen again," felt Leclerc, who also confirmed that the German would be on his Christmas card list.
Meanwhile, Vettel's arrival in the UAE capital was delayed a bit after he became a father for a third time.
Perhaps, the newborn could bring better beginnings and open a fresh chapter between the two men in red.
james@khaleejtimes.com