Carlos Sainz claims Ferrari is the only team capable of defeating Max Verstappen’s Red Bull in 2023

Carlos Sainz ended Red Bull's winning streak in Singapore.

Carlos Sainz claims Ferrari is the only team capable of defeating Max Verstappen’s Red Bull in 2023

Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz (via IMAGO)

Red Bull’s domination was brought to a stop in Singapore by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. His impeccable tire management and coordination with Lando Norris were the highlights of the evening. But the glory did not last long as Red Bull and Max Verstappen returned to their winning ways at Suzuka. Now, with the Qatar GP right around the corner, Sainz has claimed that Ferrari is the only team that can defeat Verstappen and Red Bull this season.

In a recent interview, Sainz said Ferrari is aware of their shortcomings and will try to minimize them. While their 2022 and 2023 seasons did not go as planned, they are assessing and working on their vulnerabilities. Sainz believes this awareness makes them the favorites to defeat Red Bull and Verstappen this season.

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“I am optimistic for 2024, but I was optimistic last year and we stumbled, however in recent years the only ones capable of standing up to it [Red Bull’s domination] have been Ferrari in podiums or victories. If anyone can, it is us. I am in the best place to try,” Sainz told Marca

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Sainz is the only non-Red Bull driver so far to take a Grand Prix win in 2023. He is currently on P5 in the WDC standings. He now surely aims to work with Charles Leclerc and take Ferrari to P2 in the Constructors’ championship. They currently trail Mercedes by 20 points.

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Carlos Sainz claims his position has strengthened in Ferrari renewal talks amid his resurgence in form

Sainz had a disappointing start to the season. With a best finish of P4 in the first 13 races, he was greatly struggling. However, post-summer break he seems to have found his form. His P3 finish at Monza and victory in Singapore have helped him leapfrog teammate Charles Leclerc and get to P5 in the WDC standings. This resurgence also couldn’t come at a better time for the Spaniard as he is in talks with Ferrari for a contract extension.

Carlos Sainz at Monza
Carlos Sainz at Monza (Credits: PlanetF1)

Sainz’s contract with Ferrari ends in the end of 2024. When asked on whether he thinks it is a good time to talk to Ferrari, he admitted that a good form always helps in negotiations. However, he also claimed that the two parties were already well in tune even before Singapore and Monza.

 “Obviously, being in a good moment at a sporting level helps. But before these two races we were already quite aligned and in tune with Ferrari, with Fréd (Vasseur) and with everyone. I wasn’t so bad when I was criticized, nor am I so good now,” said Sainz.  

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