Carlos Sainz confident “there will be tracks where Ferrari can compete with Red Bull”. Carlos Sainz believes Ferrari will be able to challenge Red Bull on certain types of tracks.

Always on the podium
Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz’s positive moment does not stop: after winning the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, he managed to step onto the podium in Suzuka as well. The Ferrari driver finished the 2024 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in third place, starting fourth but was able to get ahead of his former McLaren teammate Lando Norris, who began from P3 but only finished in fifth position. The Spaniard was only preceded under the chequered flag by the two Red Bull cars of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez, still unreachable on this type of track that enhances the characteristics of the RB20.

Variable strategies
However, speaking to Sky Sport F1 at the end of the Suzuka race, Carlos Sainz highlighted his satisfaction with a splendid start to 2024, which would see him very close in points to Max Verstappen, if not for the race he missed in Jeddah: “Three podiums in three races, one victory, and a perfect start to the season – summarized by the #55 from Maranello – this car allows us to shine a bit more in the race. Last year we couldn’t choose whether to go long or short. We suffered with degradation, while this year we can employ different strategies, we can compete, and we can overtake on track. We always look forward rather than backward, and it’s much more fun for the driver. I’m happy.” – he pointed out.

Challenge to Red Bull only postponed
Speaking of looking ahead, Carlos Sainz reiterated his belief that this Ferrari car will be able to give Red Bull a hard time over the course of the year: “We must not forget that they brought a significant update here, and we didn’t,” the Spanish driver recalled – “we are not far off in race pace. They were superior and had a 1-2 tenths per lap advantage, but it’s true that there will be circuits where we can compete. Not Suzuka, but other tracks, yes. I hope other updates will arrive soon. We know when they are coming, but I can’t say. It will be more or less around Imola – he then admitted – but what’s important is to continue on this line, i.e., to improve the car in its weak points, which is what we did last year. This allows us to have the races we’ve had so far.” – Carlos Sainz concluded.

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