'Pressure' on Leclerc as Sainz 'will be all over him'

Ferrari

'Pressure' on Leclerc as Sainz 'will be all over him'

Trevor Carlin suggests Ferrari may have underestimated Carlos Sainz

Sam Hall

Saturday 16 May 2020 16:08 Updated: 16:27

Carlos Sainz will be no number two driver at Ferrari says the Spaniard's former boss Trevor Carlin.

Ferrari have historically employed a strict policy of running with a clear number one and number two driver.

This made things difficult for Ferrari when Charles Leclerc outperformed Sebastian Vettel in the early part of 2019, and Carlin is predicting a similar scenario once Sainz steps into the team in 2021.

Article continues under video

“Ferrari, if they thought they were hiring a number two, might have underestimated Carlos,” Carlin told Reuters. “I hope they haven’t done that.

“I know there’s this story going around that Red Bull have got a number one, Mercedes have got a number one, Ferrari have got a number one. But I don’t see that with Carlos."

Sainz raced with Carlin in multiple Formula 3 championships in 2012, joining a roster of drivers that includes Daniel Ricciardo, Sebastian Vettel and Lando Norris in competing for Carlin's eponymous team.

“I think given the same kit and treatment and cars, he can run him close,” continued Carlin.

“I think Carlos is bloody good. Maybe Charles might edge him in qualifying but when it comes to the race, I think Carlos will be all over him. I think he’s going to be fighting to earn his stripes there, he really is.”

Before you leave...

50 years of Sauber

Two-race Silverstone deal struck for Formula 1

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 2026 Standings: Verstappen rescues Red Bull disaster at Australian Grand Prix

1 hour ago

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton will hold FIA accountable as new Mercedes evidence emerges

2 hours ago

Hamilton's 'sharp tongue' and a tale of 'unforgiveable guilt' - Italian media react to the Australian GP

Today 12:57

Lewis Hamilton will not retire until he races in this location

Today 11:53

Max Verstappen confirms 24hr Nurburgring participation during F1 season

Today 10:37