It was too “risky” to impose a team order and boost Charles Leclerc’s chances of finishing second overall in the 2022 drivers’ standings. That was the explanation of Ferrari’s team bosses after Leclerc – now dead even on points with Sergio Perez with just the Abu Dhabi finale to go – admitted his frustration that the pitwall did not ask Carlos Sainz to pull over. So while the controversy about Max Verstappen’s ignored Red Bull team order rages, Ferrari boss Mattia Binotto explained why a similar request was not asked of Sainz. “In the end we wanted to do it if the opportunity was there – we discussed it,” he said. “It will be an exciting finale,” Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said.

Follow MotorMouth on social media:

• 
• 
• 
•