Carlos Sainz still believes in 2022 F1 title for Ferrari: "Anything can happen"

Carlos Sainz is peaceful and calm as he arrives in front of the microphones for his Thursday interview with the Hungaroring reporters. The Spaniard comes after a great performance at the Paul Ricard circuit, where he could certainly have challenged Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen for the race win without the penalty received for taking on new power unit components. However, Ferrari had its hands tied: the engine needed to be changed and quickly, because doing it in Mogyorod would have forced Carlos to attempt a much more difficult comeback on a circuit where it is not easy to overtake.

If Ferrari finally manages to get a clean weekend with both drivers, the F1-75 car has the potential to secure a one-two finish in Hungary. Carlos Sainz knows this and is aiming for the big target at a team level: “Certainly on all the circuits we have shown that we have a competitive car. It is true that at times Red Bull seemed faster in terms of race pace and in some qualifying sessions, on other occasions we were faster. It has always been a great battle, but every weekend I arrive at the circuit thinking I can win. Sure we need a clean weekend, but everyone needs it. In Formula 1, however, it is more difficult to achieve this than people might think” – the Spaniard said at the Hungarian Grand Prix press conference.

“We have a strong car, but it is also true that we have some weaknesses to deal with in terms of reliability and other aspects. The season, however, is still long, there are ten races left: this year we have seen that anything can happen, it has been a year full of ups and downs for everyone; even if the first four always seem the same, then the result is not always the expected one. Everything is still at stake, we can still aspire for great goals. It is clear what we have to do: win the races and bring a lot of points home. Winning the 25 points makes a lot of difference in the standings. There are still many things that can happen, there is always a very intense battle, I think it will continue until the end of the season. It is true that at some point we may need Red Bull’s help, for example some retirements or reliability problems, but even without these episodes we have to fight to the end and improve. What we learn this season we can use in the next few years” – the Spanish driver added.

Carlos Sainz was then asked about Sebastian Vettel, who today announced his retirement from Formula 1 at the end of the season: “Even before I arrived in F1 he was a great example, I had the privilege of being in the simulator when he was at the height of his career. I saw he was a true professional and this gave me an idea of what a winning F1 driver like him must be like. I remember those years well, he always stopped to chat with me, to give me advice, and always had a few kind words for me. He is a great positive model, an ambassador of this sport, also for the generations of young people who are growing up. It’s the kind of career you can look up to with admiration: everyone in the paddock loves him, everyone got on well with him, no one will be able to say anything negative about Seb. And this speaks volumes about his personality and the his value as a driver and as a man. We will miss him, but I hope to see him in the paddock again and that he can continue to help us grow in some areas”. – Carlos Sainz concluded.