Carlos Sainz’s former F3 team principal Trevor Carlin believes the Spaniard will emerge out of Charles Leclerc’s shadow at Ferrari. Carlin thinks Ferrari has “underestimated” Carlos Sainz and believes the Spaniard will match Leclerc in equal equipment. With Ferrari announcing Sainz for 2021, many predict the Spaniard to play a supporting role at the Scuderia.

How will Sainz fare at Ferrari?

As things stand, Charles Leclerc is Ferrari’s de facto team leader. He’s the Maranello outfit’s future and has the monumental task of ending the Scuderia’s 13-year wait for a Championship. By signing Leclerc on an unprecedented 5-year contract, Ferrari has enormous faith in the 22-year-old.

Team principal Mattia Binotto didn’t say it outright, but Ferrari expects Sainz to play the team game. This isn’t to say he’s a number 2 driver but he’s certainly no number 1. Many fans and experts are already projecting Sainz as Ferrari’s next “Barichello” but they could be wrong.

If Sainz shows good pace, Ferrari won’t go out of its way to sabotage his race. At the end of the day, the Italian team is also vying for the Constructors’ Championship. Additionally, Sainz has all the attributes the Italian team needs at the moment – young and aggressive but most importantly, smart.

His Former F3 boss fully expects him to take the fight to Leclerc. Speaking to Reuters, Carlin said:

“Ferrari, if they thought they were hiring a number two, might have underestimated Carlos,”

 “I hope they haven’t done that. 

“I know there’s this story going around that Red Bull have got a number one, Mercedes have got a number one, Ferrari have got a number one. But I don’t see that with Carlos.

“I think Carlos is bloody good. Maybe Charles might edge him in qualifying but when it comes to the race, I think Carlos will be all over him. I think he’s going to be fighting to earn his stripes there, he really is.”

“I think the pressure actually will be on Charles’ shoulders,”

“When Carlos really steps up he could be the surprise show there and make the tifosi  very, very happy.”

“He’s matured into the real deal. 

Ferrari will have its youngest driver pairing in over 50 years in 2021. However, will youth succeed where experience failed?