Ferrari’s crisis surprises Carlos Sainz: the Spaniard believed in the potential of the SF-25 in F1, but then points the finger at the newspapers
Ferrari, the crisis, and journalism in F1: Carlos Sainz has words for everyone. The Spaniard, though surprised by the poor performances of the SF-25, points the finger at the media. When something goes wrong in Maranello, he says from the paddock in Montreal, a storm is always ready to erupt. Meanwhile, after two articles published by major Italian newspapers, an official denial arrives from the Prancing Horse.
These are tense times for the men in red. On the eve of the Canadian Grand Prix, Ferrari must deal with yet another “media crisis” this year. After the first rumors about Frédéric Vasseur, which already circulated a few weeks ago, the pressure has increased. An ultimatum is said to have been issued in Maranello: results must come in the next three races – with updates already expected starting in Austria – or it will be revolution.
This time, however, the whispers are not only about the team principal. Charles Leclerc is also under the spotlight, the long-time standard-bearer of the Prancing Horse. Losing the Monegasque driver would mean starting over from scratch, in addition to a possible image blow. Yet, still chasing that elusive world title, he may consider leaving before 2029.
Carlos Sainz silences the media: “It’s always like this when Ferrari performs poorly”
The most recent former Ferrari driver steps in to defend the team: “It’s the same old story: when results don’t go well, the media always points the finger and chaos breaks out,” Carlos Sainz says from Canada. “For me, the important thing has always been to stay focused on what needs to be done.”
“If you ask me about Fred [Vasseur], I have to say I have a great relationship with him. Of course, we went through a difficult period in the past, when he didn’t want me and signed Lewis [Hamilton], but aside from that, we made peace and I get along with him. I’ve always respected him as a team principal and as a person.” – the Spaniard pointed out – “My feeling [before leaving] was that the team, the car… we all felt ready to fight for the championship. I honestly thought Ferrari could be in the mix this year. I even told Charles [Leclerc]. For me, everything was going in the right direction.”
“I had no involvement in the development of the SF-25, I don’t know where they ended up with the balance, with the setup, or why there are difficulties this year. McLaren is doing an excellent job: sometimes it doesn’t matter how good you are, if there’s someone doing such a high-level job with two very strong drivers.” – the former Ferrari driver concluded ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix.
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