‘Carlos Sainz lacks nothing,’ Frederic Vasseur rules out unjust preferential treatment to Charles Leclerc at Ferrari

Fred Vasseur emphasized on Carlos Sainz getting an equal footing to his Monegasque teammate.


‘Carlos Sainz lacks nothing,’ Frederic Vasseur rules out unjust preferential treatment to Charles Leclerc at Ferrari

Fred Vasseur, Carlos Sainz

Scuderia Ferrari has had an underwhelming start to the 2023 F1 season. The Italian team has fallen off from reigning champions Red Bull Racing. Charles Leclerc has openly expressed frustration over this scenario with teammate Carlos Sainz too being displeased with the events. However, questions have risen over the number 1 status at the team. Team boss, Fred Vassuer clarified over no such plans at the Scuderia.

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The 54-year-old affirmed the fact that during his time in motorsport, no driver was any less than the other in a team. Fred said, “I have spent 30 years on the wall with young pilots. In the junior categories there is no first and second pilot. They all have the same material.” The Frenchman declared that Ferrari has no reason not to let Carlos Sainz challenge his teammate. He continued, “I can’t imagine that Ferrari doesn’t have the ability to provide the two pilots with the same material.”

Vassuer asserted that the Scuderia is in a great position with its drivers As both Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc can fight for wins. Fred said, “We have two strong drivers who can score points, do podiums, and win races.” Although, it depends on his team on how to capitalize on this aspect. He explained, “We have to use it as a resource. We can push hard with the two.”

Lastly, the 54-year-old made it clear that Carlos Sainz has an equal footing to Leclerc at Ferrari. Vasseur stated, “Carlos is not missing anything. We don’t have to start saying if it’s missing there or there.” The Frenchman dismissed rumors of any bias within the Italian team.

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Fred Vasseur refuses claims of Carlos Sainz playing second fiddle at Ferrari

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Sainz finished P6 in Saudi Arabia, ahead of teammate Leclerc

The Ferrari team boss cleared out the events of the Saudi Arabian GP. The 54-year-old pointed out the fact that Carlos Sainz could not get in a joker lap in the Q3 top 10 shootout. As there was a lack of tires available for the Spanish driver after he used an extra set in the previous session. Fred Vasseur said, “He had to use another set of tires in Q2 (in Jeddah) and didn’t have the chance to fight for a joker in Q3. That’s just it.”

The Frenchman even discussed the situation at Red Bull. Tensions have risen between Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez as the latter came home to win the race in Jeddah. However, Vasseur believes that the Mexican driver can have a surprise title win just like Nico Rosberg in 2016. Fred emphasized not focusing on driver rivalry at a team as the picture clears itself. He said, “You have to push with the two drivers and then the championship situation leads you to make decisions.”

Fred Vasseur has dismissed all rumors regarding Charles Leclerc being the focus at Ferrari. Carlos Sainz will be aiming to go head-to-head with his teammate this season in a fight for podiums. While the Scuderia work to find its way back up to Red Bull Racing. It remains to be seen how things evolve at the Italian team between its two drivers this year.

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