In a new interview with Spanish radio Radio Marca, Carlos Sainz confirms he has not joined Scuderia Ferrari to be Leclerc's second driver. 

The Spaniard was announced as the new Ferrari driver for 2021 and 2022, after the italian team parted ways with Sebastian Vettel, in Maranello since 2015. 

It is still unknown what the future of the German world champion will be like, but surely the situation in the garage influenced his choice to not renew his contract. 

Charles Leclerc collected 7 pole positions and 2 wins during his first year in Ferrari (and second of his career in Formula 1), and has clearly become a big figure inside the Ferrari box. So big that both Ferrari and Vettel understood there was no room for him after 2021. 

Also, Leclerc already signed a deal, in 2019, which extended his contract with Ferrari until 2024, leading to speculations that Ferrari is considering the Monegasque as their lead driver.

Clearly, everyone thinks that Carlos Sainz will be second to Leclerc, but the Spaniard insists that it is not what his contract says.

“I have not signed anything that says second driver" reports Omnisport. 

“In my contract it says, as in all those I have signed, that the team is above the driver, but does not put anything second or support from anyone.

Carlos confirms he will support 100% his new team, but that won't mean he will be Leclerc's esquire.

"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. I treat all drivers equally, we are all rivals and we must go for all" he added. 

“If there is a complicated situation, I would make the right decision, don’t worry.”

Sainz's Ferrari announcement has created a conversation between Formula 1 fans, especially Italians, as some of them think the pairing Sainz - Leclerc will be too young for a big team like Ferrari. Anyway, Carlos is fully committed to his last season in McLaren and is not scared of wearing the red suit. He knows he's ready for his new adventure.

“I know that at Ferrari the pressure is higher. With thick skin you have to beat the Formula One teams. Ferrari is a step up with more pressure, but I think I am prepared to do it.”