Sainz is 'obvious' number 2 at Ferrari team says Marko
Apr.1 - It is "obvious" that both Red Bull and Ferrari operate in Formula 1 with de-facto number 1 drivers.
That is the view of Dr Helmut Marko, who pushed back on the idea that modern F1 teams all now operate strict policies of driver equality.
In fact, Red Bull's Marko admits that the energy drink owned team's de-facto number 1 is reigning world champion Max Verstappen, supported by Sergio Perez.
And at Ferrari, where the Italian team insists that Carlos Sainz has equal status to championship leader Charles Leclerc, Marko believes the actual driver policy is "obvious".
"Last year, Sainz defeated Leclerc but this year Leclerc is in great shape," the 78-year-old Austrian told Servus TV.
"This means that we cannot expect any support from Sainz, as their situation will be the same as ours - there is an obvious number 1 driver."
He is referring to the fact that if Sainz, or any second driver, takes points off the team leader, that is only a help to rival teams like Red Bull.
"I think we are in a good position," Marko added, "but we have an almost equal opponent in Ferrari.
"Leclerc is driving absolutely flawlessly this season so it will be an exciting year."
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sainz is a capable driver but not as fast as charle on a regular basis so no 2 it is
Cool, RB seems to be in good shape so now the doc is going to run other teams, too. How about we rely on Ferrari for Ferrari driver info?
Who gives a crap about what Marco says. His only job in Formula One is stirring things up in the racing press.
Under Mattia Binnotto Ferrari is a united team no matter what predicaments arise that is why as long as he is there they will win many championships because he has the utmost respect from both the drivers and the team and all who work in Maranallo he also knows how to keep clear of all the bullshit that goes with the success and quietly gets on with what needs to be done. He is a Ferrari man through and through who wants his team back at the top.
Too early for ruling out Sainz from the WDC battle, although he needs to get on par with Leclerc quite quickly, as otherwise, he'll lose ground points-wise.
Agree. Sainz is still my favorite, though.
He is the more consistent in recent years, and I hope he’s building up to some even more outstanding performances.
Maybe Australia will be his.
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