Japanese GP: Charles Leclerc says all 'clear' with Ferrari after Russia

Charles Leclerc insists "everything is clear now" inside Ferrari in the wake of the Sochi team orders controversy with Sebastian Vettel.

In a race which ultimately fell apart for the Scuderia in Russia a fortnight ago, when Mercedes finished first and second, Ferrari found their team tactics called into question after what emerged as a pre-arranged plan for polesitter Leclerc to 'tow' Vettel at the start caused radio consternation among the drivers after the start.

Leclerc said team boss Mattia Binotto held separate talks with both him and Vettel in the days after Russia, and that there were no problems moving forward into Suzuka this weekend.

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"There were some misunderstandings from the car, but we've had a discussion and everything is clear now," said Leclerc in the Drivers' Press Conference ahead of the Japanese GP.

"It felt like it was a huge deal from the outside - which it definitely wasn't - but now everything is fine."

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Asked what was not clear, Leclerc replied: "That's clear from the beginning of the season, we need to obey team orders.

"What is clear is that the situation wasn't clear for both of the drivers starting the race. So that's the most important [thing]. We spoke about it and will make sure this situation doesn't happen again in the future."

Vettel, who disobeyed his team's orders to swap positions with Leclerc at the start of the Sochi race, admitted there were "certain things we could have done better" but echoed his team-mate's assertions that the dispute was sorted.

"We spoke about it obviously, more than once," the four-time world champion told reporters in Suzuka.

"We speak with each other. Maybe different to what some people think. But I think it's pretty clear."

Asked what it could mean for similar scenarios in the future, Vettel added: "We didn't write anything in stone - I don't think it's necessary.

"I'm not worried too much."

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