Carlos Sainz claims he and Charles Leclerc are “friends” despite having ‘moments of tension’ in 2024

The news of Carlos Sainz‘s exit from Ferrari and replacement by Lewis Hamilton came as a shocker to everyone. Multiple people believed this situation could lead to a fierce battle between Sainz and Charles Leclerc. However, the Spaniard highlighted that Leclerc and he were on good terms despite the rising tensions in the team.

Carlos Sainz started the 2024 season off in a great fashion and was hopeful of potentially outscoring Charles Leclerc after being replaced by Lewis Hamilton. However, the competition has continued with the Monegasque coming on top. Sainz addressed the rumors of unfair treatment and held an opposite stance to the claims. The 29-year-old noted that he couldn’t complain about unfair treatment and added that there were always moments of tension in a constructor.

There has always been equal treatment, honestly I cannot complain about the treatment received in Ferrari. In every team there are always moments of tension, you may think that sometimes you could have received an extra hand and Charles and Ferrari in turn may think that in some moments I could have done better.

Carlos Sainz said on the program El Hormiguero of Ancena 3 (H&T: formulapassion.it).

However, despite the growing tensions between the drivers and the teams, both drivers were on good terms. Sainz highlighted that both of them were friends even off-track and formed an excellent team. Additionally, the 29-year-old highlighted the importance of having two drivers getting along well and winning races together.

Leclerc and I are friends even away from the circuits and we form an excellent team. If there is one thing that works particularly well, it is that the two drivers get along very well, win races, conquer podiums and above all work as a team.

Carlos Sainz added.

Carlos Sainz claims he didn’t like being ‘dumped’ by Ferrari

The entire situation of being ousted unexpectedly by Ferrari was a shocking event for the 29-year-old. Hence, Sainz recalled the entire moment and how he felt back when the news was broken to him. The Spaniard recalled that he didn’t take it well and didn’t like being dumped by the Maranello-based team.

You don't take it well, nobody likes to be dumped. It was bad for me. I had good vintages at Ferrari, but there was a seven-time world champion, Hamilton, who wanted to come to Ferrari and nothing could be done.

Carlos Sainz noted.

Apart from this, Sainz declared that he took the entire situation with philosophy and not many hard feelings. Also, the Spaniard tried to find the positives in the dire situation and claimed that he saw it as an opportunity to look towards a better future. The 29-year-old’s priority lay in winning the world championship at the pinnacle of motorsport.

I take it with philosophy and I try to accept what happened. I also see it as an opportunity for the future, my goal remains to become world champion.

Carlos Sainz concluded.

Carlos Sainz’s seat for the 2025 season is still under question as no major news has been put forth by the driver. Audi and Williams have emerged as the best possible options amidst losing the chance of a seat at Red Bull. Additionally, Mercedes is highly unlikely to approach the 29-year-old for a chance at Brackley in the coming season.

In case you missed it:

• Sergio Perez claims getting done with contract ‘distraction’ will help ‘focus on pure performance’ for the rest of 2024
• Charles Leclerc would be happy to have motorsports in Olympics to ‘represent’ Monaco

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