Carlos Sainz, the master of consistency
At the time of his announcement as the new Ferrari driver, not many would have imagined Carlos Sainz capable of matching his Maranello teammate Charles Leclerc in the internal duel. Over the past two years, the two drivers have evenly shared the role of being the top scorer for the Prancing Horse, and in 2023, the Spaniard is ahead of the Monegasque by 7 points after the first 11 championship races, ahead of next weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, scheduled to take place at the 7.004-kilometre Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot.
Carlos Sainz has to his credit one victory, 3 poles, 13 podiums, and a significant number of top ten finishes. Even in this championship, he has scored points on ten occasions, although a podium finish has eluded him, with his best result being a fourth place in Bahrain.
Assessment of the start of the 2023 Formula One season
In a lengthy interview with Mundo Deportivo, the Spanish nationwide daily sports newspaper published in Barcelona, Carlos Sainz analyzed: “The results of 2023 should be looked at in perspective; they haven’t been anything special because everyone, including myself, expected more. But if we observe them in relation to the car, it’s not a bad season. In Formula 1, the car is very important. I don’t like making comparisons, but if Charles and I were driving the Red Bull, we wouldn’t let Verstappen win as he is doing with us.” – the Ferrari man pointed out.
Renewal prospects
Frederic Vasseur has reiterated several times that Ferrari’s priority is to improve the car, while contract renewal discussions are of secondary importance. Carlos Sainz, who has been the subject of some market rumors, commented:
“My priority, of course, is to continue with Ferrari. I don’t see a better place in Formula 1 at the moment, given Ferrari’s ambition to return to winning ways. I want to win again and, if possible, fight for the championship. Sharing these objectives, I don’t see why I wouldn’t continue with Ferrari. But I’ve said it many times: I always like to face the last season of my contract, knowing where I’ll be racing the following year. And I have the same intention this year.” – the Ferrari driver admitted.
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When teased by the Spanish journalist about signing an immediate renewal with the Maranello team, Carlos Sainz laughed and said: “It depends on the contract! Both parties need to agree and shake hands before the signature. If we don’t agree, we talk. But I will do everything possible to continue with a team like Ferrari.” – he concluded.
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