Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz Good Number 2 Drivers for Ferrari: Former F1 Driver

Former F1 driver Marc Surer is of the opinion that Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo would make good “number 2” drivers to Charles Leclerc. Surer asserted that Ricciardo was that better choice for Ferrari, should a seat become available. As things stand, the Maranello outfit hasn’t confirmed a driver for its vacant seat in 2021.

Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz – “number 2 drivers” : Surer

Sebastian Vettel’ s contract with Ferrari expires at the end of this season. Many expected the German to renew his contract but negotiations have allegedly hit a roadblock. According to many reports, Vettel is unhappy with the Scuderia’s latest contract offering, which is a 1 year deal with lesser pay. Should talks fail entirely, rumors suggest that Daniel Ricciardo and Carlos Sainz are frontrunners for the second seat at Ferrari.

Ricciardo and Sainz haven’t confirmed their respective seats beyond 2021. Of the pair, Ricciardo is undoubtedly the stronger driver, having picked up race victories and driven in pressure situations. Sainz, on the other hand, is quick to adapt and has the right mix of youth and experience.  According to Surer, Daniel Ricciardo would make the better choice thanks to his experience in winning races and his thirst for World Championship glory.

However, Surer also said that Ricciardo and Sainz would make good secondary drivers within the team. It’s unlikely for someone like Ricciardo to accept a number 2 status within a team. Having experienced the internal politics of “equal treatment” at Red Bull, the Aussie won’t be joining Ferrari as a mere team player.

The same applies to Sainz, who’s more than ready to take the next step in his F1 career. Surer also feels that Sainz wouldn’t be a real threat to Charles Leclerc. A debatable prediction, considering Sainz is no pushover and one of the best midfield drivers today.

Speaking to Speedweek.com, Surer said:

“Both would be great number 2 drivers. Ricciardo knows how to win races, so he would be a better choice.”

“He is mature enough to correctly assess situations, and if there is a chance of victory, then he strikes, as he has proven several times. Sainz would not be able to endanger Leclerc.”

Ferrari’s next move could very well decide the course of the 2021 F1 driver market.