Carlos Sainz claims he is prepared to ‘bite’ Charles Leclerc on-track

Carlos Sainz made it clear he will be ready to challenge teammate Charles Leclerc this year.

Carlos Sainz claims he is prepared to ‘bite’ Charles Leclerc on-track

Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc (Via IMAGO)

Scuderia Ferrari had a mediocre campaign in 2023. The Italian team was no match for the dominant Red Bulls. However, Maranello made steady progress over the course of the season. Carlos Sainz was the only non-Red Bull driver to take a race win the past season. Now, Sainz has made it clear that he would be willing to push his teammate Charles Leclerc this year.

The Spanish driver praised Leclerc. Sainz reckoned that the Monegasque driver had incredible one-lap pace. Moreover, Charles Leclerc has shown time and time again how he can make up places at the race start. Carlos Sainz claimed that the two form a strong driver pairing at Maranello with the two sharing good relations as well.

The ability he [Charles Leclerc] has on a single lap, the ability he has in the race to come back and gain positions at the start… We make a very good pair.
Carlos Sainz told DAZN

Additionally, Carlos Sainz claimed that he had a planned approach against his teammate. The Spanish driver mentioned that he would go for it, labeling it as a ‘bite.’ However, Sainz and Leclerc understood the importance of prioritizing the team. Subsequently, the 29-year-old would control himself when it was necessary.

FS Video
I try to bite when I have to bite and I try to control myself when I have to control myself.

Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc to get equal status at Ferrari in 2024

Charles Leclerc was often considered as Ferrari’s future prospect. The Monegasque driver was given the longest contract extension in the Scuderia’s history which will run till the end of 2024. Subsequently, many in the paddock reckoned that Carlos Sainz might have to play second fiddle to his teammate if the team was in contention for the title.

Carlos Sainz, Fred Vasseur and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari garage.
Carlos Sainz, Fred Vasseur and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari garage. (image via IMAGO)

However, Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur has made it clear that the two drivers are on an equal status. The Scuderia will provide equal opportunity to both Sainz and Leclerc this year. As such, fans could expect the two Ferrari cars to go wheel-to-wheel at some point in the upcoming season. Certainly, the duo would be aiming to outscore each other.

Scuderia Ferrari needs to make a mark in 2024. The Italian squad would be aiming to potentially challenge Red Bull for the world title. However, there is a lot of work left to be done at Maranello over the winter break. It remains to be seen if Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc manage to put up a fight for the championship this year.

In case you missed it: