You arrived in Maranello after racing for Renault and McLaren, teams with different histories and cultures. Is it really different to be in Ferrari?
Carlos Sainz: “There is a different type of culture, you can see it for example in the methodologies and in the approach to some things, but at the same time the current Formula 1 teams in terms of work planning, professionalism and many other aspects, over the years they agreed towards a very similar model “.
“If we look at the workforce, now all the teams are multi-ethnic and multicultural, Ferrari itself has personnel of many nationalities, if I think my group of engineers is made up of an American, a Scottish, a Spanish and an Italian, it is the small team I go to dinner with every day. It is normal that in a similar context everyone converges towards an almost standard approach, but here at Ferrari there is also a culture of its own, and it is stimulating to embrace it and make it your own “.
Have you got used to the idea of being a Ferrari driver or are there still moments when it seems unreal to you?
Carlos Sainz: “Now I realize it, it’s a strange story… (Carlos smiles). It’s strange because one day you wake up saying ‘okay, I’m a Ferrari driver’, but it’s also true that I’m still the same Carlos, the same guy, the same driver with the same passion and the same talent. “
“You do the same job as before, but now you do it for Ferrari, and this is a great responsibility, which you feel above all when you are in Italy. This is the strongest feeling, and you get it when you go to Monza, there suddenly you realize what it means to be a Ferrari driver. You feel it all over the world, but when you go to Monza you suddenly realize that it is huge, bigger than I could ever have imagined. But I am still the same Carlos, nothing changes in that sense “.
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Do you feel greater responsibility by wearing a red jumpsuit?
Carlos Sainz: “Yes, that’s right, there is an extra responsibility that does not exist in other teams, and it is linked to representing not only a team, but a nation, let’s say … it’s like playing for Real Madrid and Spain at the same time , together, you are not just a club but you represent an entire country “.
“Racing for the Scuderia means racing for Ferrari and for Italy, you have to be aware of the responsibility that comes with it, but in the end it is an honor. Italy is a country that I love and in which I have spent a lot of time ever since I was a child, sportingly I grew up on Italian tracks racing in karts, and here I immediately touched the passion that exists in this country for Ferrari. I grew up with many other kids who raced in kart tracks dreaming of one day being a Ferrari driver, and for this reason today that I am racing for this team I feel honored and privileged, something of which I am very proud ”.
Do you confirm that the popularity of a Ferrari driver is different? How do you see the ‘fans’?
Carlos Sainz: “In Italy they are all very passionate and respectful, I have to say in a way that I did not expect. Even just touching or shaking your hand is something super special to them, they really respect you, they put you on a pedestal, and it’s a striking aspect. I notice that some people get nervous when they get close, and it’s a feeling I’ve never had before. “
“Sometimes it happened that in front of a nervous person I decided to put a hand on his shoulder and said, ‘hey, I’m 27, I’m like you, relax and take a picture together’. I often take their phone and take photos, I like it! Yes, life has changed a bit, but at the same time I managed to keep a good balance “.
Have you felt more pressure from the media since you’ve been with Ferrari?
Carlos Sainz: “Yes, this is another interesting thing. A little news, when Ferrari is involved, can become great news, it happens often in Italy, and it is something that I am learning to manage. It means understanding that how you say certain things also counts, there are better ways than others, and if you make a mistake maybe you leave room for a great title. I’m learning, managing these aspects is not easy at all ”.
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