Former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has revealed that he suffered abuse from some of Charles Leclerc’s most extreme supporters during their four seasons together at Maranello. His comments come as Lewis Hamilton’s criticism of Charles Leclerc’s aggressive driving continues to generate debate, with the Spaniard highlighting how fan rivalries and sections of the Italian media created problems beyond the racetrack.
Speaking to Marca ahead of the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz reflected on his partnership with Charles Leclerc and the difficulties of managing an intense rivalry within Ferrari. While Lewis Hamilton has questioned his current teammate’s aggression and referred to previous experiences with other drivers, Carlos Sainz offered a different perspective, suggesting that the most unpleasant part of his Ferrari experience came from the pressure surrounding the two drivers rather than their battles on track.
Carlos Sainz explains why Ferrari teammate rivalries become more intense
During the interview, Carlos Sainz acknowledged that the stakes involved in fighting for victories inevitably influence a driver’s behaviour. With more to gain and lose, maintaining the ideal balance between personal ambition and the team’s interests becomes increasingly difficult.
“When you’re fighting for victory, the pressure is greater and there’s much more at stake. That’s why you naturally become a little more selfish than when you’re fighting for eighth or ninth place. It’s harder to stick to the team’s ideal strategy when there’s a victory on the line,” Carlos Sainz explained.
The Spaniard then turned his attention to his relationship with Charles Leclerc, recalling several memorable battles during their four seasons as Ferrari teammates.
“I think I always respected Charles, and he respected me: we never collided. We simply had intense battles, I remember Monza or Las Vegas. Perhaps the hardest thing was managing the environment, the relationship with the media and, above all, the fans.”
Carlos Sainz reveals abuse from Charles Leclerc fans and criticism from Italian media
Although the relationship between the two Ferrari drivers remained respectful, Carlos Sainz revealed that the atmosphere surrounding their rivalry was considerably more difficult. Some supporters became deeply divided, while parts of the Italian media appeared to expect one driver to accept a subordinate role.
“The situation between Charles and me was very polarised. I remember suffering a little because of his more radical fans, who insulted me or wished me harm. Some Italian media also criticised me for not behaving enough like a number two driver, and the same thing happened when Leclerc was expected to take on that role.”
According to Carlos Sainz, any tensions between the two drivers were generally resolved through direct discussions that same evening. The bigger problem appeared to be the external pressure, with opposing groups of supporters and sections of the press pushing for a clear number one and number two within Ferrari.
His recollections also provide further context to the recent criticism involving Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc and their former Ferrari teammate, illustrating how perceptions of an internal rivalry can become just as contentious as the battles themselves.
Ferrari faces familiar questions amid Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc tensions
Carlos Sainz’s comments arrive at a particularly sensitive moment for Ferrari, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc once again struggling to find the right balance in their on-track relationship. The recent disagreement between the Ferrari drivers at the Mexican Grand Prix has brought the challenges of managing two ambitious teammates back into focus.
The situation has also increased scrutiny of Ferrari’s leadership, with team principal Fred Vasseur calling for respect following the Mexico controversy.
At Maranello, the consequences of allowing a sporting rivalry to develop into a battle between opposing camps should be better understood than almost anywhere else. Rather than strengthening Ferrari, such divisions risk undermining the team from within.
With the Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc rivalry raising wider questions about Ferrari’s future, Carlos Sainz’s experience serves as a reminder of how quickly external pressure can complicate relationships between teammates. The question now is when Ferrari’s senior management will take a clear position.
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