Carlos Sainz asserts there’s no hierarchy at Ferrari and insists team priorities always come first
Carlos Sainz is now fifth and 15 points ahead of Charles Leclerc in the standings.
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Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc (Via IMAGO)
Carlos Sainz has clinched victory twice with Ferrari, with the standout triumph unfolding at Singapore this season, marking him as the sole non-Red Bull driver to taste the victor’s champagne. Yet, amidst his stellar success, rumors started buzzing about discord in the Ferrari paradise between him and teammate Charles Leclerc. Sainz swiftly put these whispers to rest, vehemently denying any strain in his camaraderie with Leclerc.
With three years under the Ferrari banner and a contract secured until 2024, Sainz tackles the notion of team hierarchy. Not hailing from the team’s driver academy like Charles Leclerc, there’s often chatter about a clear hierarchy, with the Monegasque being the de facto number one driver.
In a chat with Marca, Sainz brushed off the speculation surrounding team dynamics at Ferrari. When asked about his worth in the Maranello squad, he casually remarked, “Highly valued; there have been no favorites at Ferrari either this year or last.” He affirmed that his relationship with Leclerc remains solid, asserting that the team’s interests always take precedence.
The Spaniard firmly declared, “We are not fighting to be first or second in the team; the priority is Ferrari.” Sainz added, “The other thing is not in our contracts; there is neither one nor two.” He brushed off the notion of a hierarchy, stating, “it is an invention of the press or the fans.”
Carlos Sainz delves into the team’s decision to compromise Charles Leclerc’s race in Singapore
In Singapore, the team opted to compromise Leclerc’s race to secure the win strategically, which they reversed in the subsequent race in Japan. Sainz sheds light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics, revealing, “This year, the strategy is what it is, and there is not much room for variation.” He explained the give-and-take nature within the team, stating, “There will always be races in which you are in front, and they help you, or behind, and you have to help.”
With a nod to their seamless collaboration, particularly showcased at Monza, Sainz underscored the unique strength of Ferrari, finding advantage even in the face of challenges as the team battles for the runner-up spot against Mercedes; their teamwork and George Russell’s crash have been instrumental in securing vital points in the recent weekends.
Looking ahead to 2024, Sainz radiates optimism for Ferrari’s prospects, acknowledging past setbacks despite initial enthusiasm. He recognizes Ferrari’s targeted areas for car improvement and emphasizes a commitment to organic development, steering clear of emulating Red Bull. With his contract to conclude next season, Sainz emphasizes that negotiations will unfold in winter, underscoring a steadfast personal priority.
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Rohit Bhaskar
(727 Articles Published)