In the midst of swirling speculation surrounding Carlos Sainz’s potential move to Audi to avoid a secondary role, Fred Vasseur, the team principal of Ferrari, has emphatically asserted that no hierarchy exists among their drivers.
Reports have recently emerged suggesting that Carlos Sainz is carefully considering his options as his Ferrari contract is set to conclude at the close of the upcoming season.
Speculation has hinted at a potential switch to Sauber, which is poised to transform into Audi by 2026.
The rumour mill is rife with suggestions that Sainz is particularly keen on evading the risk of being relegated to the role of second fiddle to his teammate Charles Leclerc, should Ferrari mount a challenge for the championship.
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In response to these speculations, Sainz has consistently denied any intentions of departure, with his entourage categorically affirming his commitment to the Scuderia.
According to them, Sainz’s plans span across multiple contingencies labeled Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C, all of which are unequivocally centred around his affiliation with Ferrari.
However, in contrast, only Charles Leclerc has purportedly inked a new contract with the team, sealing a two-year extension.
Regarding Sainz’s future, Fred Vasseur was prompted to comment on the situation at hand.
Amid concerns that the team might be showing favoritism towards Leclerc, especially in light of Vasseur’s earlier comments about focusing on a single driver, the Frenchman swiftly refuted any such insinuations.
Vasseur dismissed the notion that he shares the sentiment conveyed by Helmut Marko and clarified, “No, no, don’t put Helmut Marko’s words in my mouth! I never said it, nor have I ever done it.”
Elaborating further, Vasseur emphasised that his belief lies in equal support for both drivers, regardless of their standing within the championship.
He stated, “I started this job twenty-five years ago thinking that two drivers should be given the same support, and I have no intention of changing.
“All the teams move in this way, with the exception of Red Bull with Verstappen and Perez.”
Vasseur dismissed the assumption that Charles Leclerc held a privileged position, asserting, “Your question assumes Charles is number one, but that’s not the case.
“I started this job twenty-five years ago thinking that two drivers should be given the same support, and I have no intention of changing.
“All the teams move in this way, with the exception of Red Bull with Verstappen and Perez.”
Addressing queries about his stance, Vasseur reinforced his commitment to parity, stating, “We have two very good drivers, both of them are able to do the job.
“We will have the capacity to provide them exactly the same car and the same structure and the same support.
“What is clear that the target is to win with Ferrari and for Ferrari.
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“There will be no number one or number two.”
However, Vasseur acknowledged the possibility of strategic interventions if the championship demands it, asserting, “But if at one stage, we have to take action, I will take action.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s for one or the other, but if at one stage of the season I have to do something, I will do it.”