Marko: 'Situation Ferrari almost the same as ours'

Whereas Sainz finished above teammate Leclerc last year, the Monegasque has taken control during the weekends in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Each time, he was just a bit faster than Sainz in qualifying and the race. Although the difference in the world championship is still only 12 points, Marko suspects that Ferrari will throw the balls at Leclerc in 2022.

"Leclerc is in top form this year and that means we should not expect any help from Sainz, because it is clear that their situation is almost the same as ours, with a clear number one," he said. "The fight for the title? I think we are in a good position, but we have to deal with Ferrari who are pretty much on our level. And Leclerc is driving impeccably," Marko told Austrian television station ServusTV last week.

In saying that Red Bull Racing should not expect any help from Sainz, the Austrian advisor means that Ferrari will not allow its drivers to compete freely against each other this season. If Leclerc and Sainz get into heated fights, Red Bull could benefit by getting closer on track or possibly run much ahead in the world championship in the event of a drop out after contact.