Charles Leclerc has said that Carlos Sainz Jr. arrival at Scuderia Ferrari does not guarantee number one status for himself at the team next season.
After Sebastian Vettel announced he would be leaving Ferrari at the end of the 2020 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, leaving a vacant seat at Ferrari, Sainz will make the move for 2021 as he leaves McLaren F1 Team.
Despite Leclerc being at the team since 2019, he has dismissed the idea that he will have the number one status at the team. As he explained that Sainz will be a hard teammate to battle during the season.
“I’m not going to be number one at Ferrari,” he told L’Equipe. “I think Carlos is a fabulous driver, and if that’s not yet obvious to people, he will prove it at Ferrari from 2021. It will be a terrific challenge for me.”
It is rumoured that Vettel may have left Ferrari due to his status at the team with the first season as a teammate of Leclerc saw some fierce battles between the two. During the Brazilian Grand Prix last season they both retired from the race after clashing on track.
Leclerc talked of his relationship with Vettel, explaining it in a positive direction despite the rumours surrounding their relationship at the team.
“He taught me a lot. I can count myself lucky to have him as a stable companion because he is an extremely experienced pilot.”
