Carlos Sainz insists he has not signed for Ferrari to play a supporting role to C⛎harles Leclerc during the 2021 Formula 1 season.

Sai꧙nz will partner Leclerc at Ferrari next season having agreed a two-year deal to replace Sebastian Vettel at the Maranello squad, after contract talks between the two sides broke down.

There have been sugges💛tions that Ferrari identified Sainz as the ideal candidate to play a back-up role to support Leclerc in 2021, but the Spaniard stressed his contract included nothing about team status.

"I have not signed anything that says I’m the second driver,” Sainz said duꦦring an interview on Radio Marca.

“In my contract it says, as in all those I have signed, that the team is above the driver, but does not put anyt💦hing about second place o💝r supporting anyone.”

“What I know is that I will give everything for Ferrari𝓀 and I will give everyt⛦hing they need, especially to try to win.

“I do not care about the colour of the car. I treat all d🌄rivers equally🐻, we are all rivals and we must go for all. If there is a complicated situation, I would make the right decision, don't worry.”

Before he switches to Ferrari, Sainz will contest the upcoming campaign wiಌth McLaren and he is determined to end his tenure at the Woking squad on the strongest possible note, after helping the team secure fourth place in the constructors' championshi꧒p last year. 

"I think they are going to tell me ever✱ything because I can still help them a lot in the remainder of the year and for next year,” Sainz explained.

“I have asked them to keep me informed because I am the first oneꦇ who wants to see McLaren on the podium as soon as possible, and I th🃏ink that I can help them as I have helped in the last year.

“Also, since I think we are ending the relationship in a very good way, I think that we wou⛄ld both benefit from telling each other and developing the car🎃 together.”