McLaren’s Carlos Sainz, who has signed a deal to join Ferrari next year, insists nothing in his contract stipulates he is a ‘number two’ driver.
The Spaniard will replace the outgoing Sebastian Vettel at Maranello, partnering rising star Charles Leclerc, leading to speculation Ferrari have hired 25-year-old Sainz as a ‘safe’ option to act as a number two to the 22-year-old.
But that’s definitely not the case according to Sainz: “No, I have not signed anything that says I’m the second driver,” he told MARCA.
“In my contract it says, as in all those I have signed, that the team is above the driver, but it does not say anything about being second or supporting anyone.
“I treat all drivers equally, we are all rivals and we must race for it all. If there is a complicated situation, I would make the right decision, don’t worry.
“What I know is that I will give everything for Ferrari and I will give everything they need, above all, to try to win. I do not care about the colour of the car.”
Asked if the deal comes with the perk of a Ferrari road car, or at least staff discount, Sainz joked: “Having a discount on a Ferrari is in the negotiation period, I haven’t looked at it. I have to do a little more research when I go to Maranello.
“I know they lend me a car at McLaren and they change it every six months.”
