“Carlos Sainz to now be a number 2 to Charles Leclerc”: F1 fans left in disbelief as Daniel Ricciardo compels Ferrari star to have another DNF in 2022

Carlos Sainz had to retire from the race yet again as Daniel Ricciardo knicks him out of the race with a collision in the first lap.

It seems that Carlos Sainz is out of luck with Ferrari. The Spaniard has seen a second DNF in the last two races, affecting Ferrari’s prospects in the constructors’ title race.

Though, Sainz was not at fault for either of his retirement. While the DNF in Australia happened due to a faulty steering wheel, this time a collision by Daniel Ricciardo forced him out of the race.

However, the FIA stewards concluded that no investigation is necessary for the incident between the two drivers. Hence, the Australian came out of the situation without any penalty.

But it surely affected Sainz’s prospects of having a levelled title fight with his teammate and Red Bull drivers. For now, Sainz can only wait for the next race to make up for all the points he lost.

Also read: Red Bull chief explains why things went downhill for Ferrari at the F1 Sprint in Imola

Carlos Sainz to yield for Charles Leclerc?

In Australia, the DNF cost Sainz 26 points against Leclerc. Meanwhile, two points were added to this gap during the sprint race on Saturday. Now, at the time of the publishing of this article Leclerc is fighting for a podium finish.

So at least 15 more points would be further added. Therefore, in all likelihood, with a humongous difference between the two teammates, Sainz will have to yield his chances to fight for the championship, so that Ferrari can solely focus on Leclerc.

This means that the pecking order in Ferrari’s lineup would be even more conspicuous from now on. Fortunately for Leclerc, the gap in standings between him and Verstappen is massive, and if he loses this race, he would still be in a comfortable position for the next race.

Also read: Nico Rosberg explains why Ferrari is at backfoot against Red Bull in Imola