Carlos Sainz and the strange theory about "political presence" in Ferrari F1 garage at Jeddah circuit

Carlos Sainz and the strange theory about “political presence” in Ferrari F1 garage at Jeddah circuit. Former F1 driver Doornbos is feels Carlos Sainz's move should be seen in a tactical light.

Former Formula 1 driver Robert Doornbos is convinced that Carlos Sainz’s presence in the Ferrari garage in Saudi Arabia has tactical reasons: why the Dutch former racing driver is not right.

Carlos Sainz’s presence in the Ferrari garage during the Arabian Grand Prix surprised many. The Spaniard had undergone surgery to remove his appendix less than 24 hours earlier, and a day of rest was more than advisable for the Spaniard driver.

Yet, according to former driver Robert Doornbos, the Spaniard’s move should be seen in a tactical light. According to the Dutchman, Carlos Sainz wanted to be present in the Ferrari box to prevent the team from starting to entertain the idea of replacing him before the end of the 2024 Formula 1 season.

According to Robert Doornbos, the Italian side might consider parting ways with the Spaniard early to avoid revealing details about the next generation of Prancing Horse cars to him.

The Maranello team would thus hand the SF-24 over to Oliver Bearman. The Englishman made a good impression on his debut in Jeddah and, being part of Maranello’s future plans, can be privy to confidential information.

This “curious” theory is also supported by TV pundit Jack Pkooij. According to the Dutchman, “Bearman will replace Sainz in Australia too. And if he performs well again, I wouldn’t rule out him taking the Spaniard’s place.”

Tactics? No, Carlos Sainz is a team player
The theory from the Netherlands, in truth, seems rather far-fetched. Carlos Sainz’s presence in Saudi Arabia should be interpreted in terms of being a “team player”, a feature that has always distinguished the Spaniard throughout his Formula 1 career.

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Even Fred Vasseur, following the announcement of Lewis Hamilton replacing the Spaniard, had no doubts that: “Carlos will race in 2024 with the professionalism that has always distinguished him.” – the French manager pointed out.

At the same time, it seems that Carlos Sainz even took the time to sit down with his young replacement to suggest some adjustments related to the hybrid power delivery. In short, anything but a “political presence.”

As for Melbourne, Oliver Bearman himself confirmed that: “Sainz is fine. I am ready but I really believe he will be on track.”

Carlos Sainz, John Elkann

Source: f1ingenerale

Mar 19, 2024Scuderia Fans

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Comments: 1

F1gilles

6 months ago

The idea that Doornbos suggested is not too far-fetched. Sainz’s camp is notoriously political and wants to have the upper hand in Ferrari until Hamilton steps in the Ferrari car. I might be a cynicist, but I can’t come around the idea that Sainz and his entourage rushed to the paddock right after a surgery just to help Bearman do better with no ulterior motive.

What I don’t agree with, though, is the idea that Sainz will be replaced early by Bearman. Ferrari will not put a 19 year old with no previous F1 experience in the second car; in this scenario, in a few races’ time, he would have to go from fighting Hulkenberg and Tsunoda to fighting the McLarens, the Mercedes, Alonso and potentially Perez. He is not ready for that yet, especially considering that there are many tracks he is not familiar with (Australia being the first one) and there will definitely be wet sessions too. Ferrari is not the kind of team to take the risk of sacrificing what looks to be a comfortable P2 spot in the constructors to help a rookie develop. Sainz is doing his job – being within 1.5-2 tenths of Charles – so Ferrari have no reason to replace him early. They will pick up P3 and P4 finishes, some P2s and double podiums and possibly even wins. Putting Ollie under the pressure of driving the red car so early could ruin his career if he doesn’t live up to the – already very high – expectations. It’s better for him to return to F2, perform as best as he can in the championship (with the points lost from Jeddah in mind) and take a seat in Haas for 2025 so he can develop his skills until Hamilton eventually retires.

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