Debate | Sainz already playing second fiddle to Leclerc

While Charles Leclerc is doing well, Carlos Sainz is having a much harder time. He can't keep up with the pace of his teammate so far and also already has a DNF to his name. Is this a reason for Ferrari to give Leclerc preferential treatment already?

Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto was adamant: there is no number one or two at Ferrari and neither driver would receive preferential treatment. However, he made those statements before his team was well ahead in the Formula One championship.

Possibly Binotto would now come back to those statements. It is still early in the championship, but it is clear that Leclerc is one of the favorites for the world title. Whether Sainz can also still make a bid remains to be seen, but for now he has to give up to his teammate.

In the Australian Grand Prix it was not necessary, but should the updates that Red Bull brings to Imola work well, then Ferrari may have to consider whether it still stands behind Binotto's statements. If Max Verstappen proves competitive in the next race or can even move towards victory, the Scuderia will want to give Leclerc maximum points.