It is certainly not the podium finish in Monaco that causes the most discussion. But rather how the second place in Monte Carlo came for Carlos Sainz and all the context surrounding it. When he arrived at Ferrari after his experience in Renault and Mclaren, there were many doubts that were unleashed by the most passionate fans, especially the “Tifosi”. To date, the Spanish driver has proved to be a guarantee for Ferrari.
It is not easy to make a team work when alongside a young talent you bring young talent. Ferrari, by replacing Sebastian Vettel with Carlos Sainz alongside Charles Leclerc, made a real bet on all fronts. Many doubts, uncertainties and dismay at the news that the Spaniard had signed for the Maranello team. But no one knew that Carlos Sainz Jr was already more than ready for his adventure in red.
He only needed 5 Grands Prix to show how much he wants to prove on his own
Among the “newcomers” in the 2021 Formula 1 season, he is certainly the one who did best. Sebastian Vettel in Aston Martin scored his first points only in Monaco. Sergio Perez in Red Bull still struggles to keep up with what is now the championship leader: Max Verstappen. Daniel Ricciardo has opened a real “investigation” on why he just fails to emerge in Mclaren, overshadowed by Lando Norris. While everyone expected a much better return of Fernando Alonso to Formula 1 with Alpine.
Carlos Sainz is, on balance, the only one who has managed to settle in better, despite everything. Yes, because today Ferrari is still in the “development” phase, with an most of the focus now oriented towards the 2022 Formula 1 season. And despite a car not yet able to compete every Grand Prix for victory, both drivers of the Maranello team are able to demonstrate how well the Italian side has chosen: that is, two young talents.
After the missed Pole opportunity due to Charles Leclerc’s crash with the subsequent red flag, the Spaniard could not help but dismiss his disappointment in starting from fourth place. A sign of how much the desire to prove something was really great. He would eventually start third due to the withdrawal of the Monegasque before the start and the rest is another story. In just one weekend, Carlos Sainz grabs his first podium in red and manages to do so in Monaco, a truly enviable double.
But that is more than a trophy
It represents the constant and constant presence of a driver who knows he has not been hired to guarantee a stunt double. He knows he was chosen for specific characteristics. He knows that there are also great responsibilities at Ferrari, but Carlos Sainz also knows that he has all the credentials to be able to play his cards. He and Charles Leclerc have already shown that they make sparks with this car not yet at the top, so what can we expect from next year with a basic, more powerful car? In the meantime, the Spaniard can shout loudly: “The best is yet to come”.
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