Ferrari, Carlos Sainz firm on the lead driver topic
The lack of a designated lead driver at Scuderia Ferrari is a topic that divides the Maranello team’s fans. Some believe that the Italian side should establish a clearer hierarchy between Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, while others think that having two equal drivers can only stimulate the growth of both.
Despite a few team orders given to Carlos Sainz to support Charles Leclerc, in 2023, Ferrari has once again chosen the latter approach, despite those who wish the Monegasque to be the lead driver. Smooth Operator, who won in Singapore both because he was the fastest throughout the weekend and because Charles Leclerc helped him in the early stages of the race at the Marina Bay street circuit, was quick to emphasize that at the Suzuka circuit, he was the one “sacrificed,” indirectly reaffirming that there are no “A-list” and “B-list” drivers at Ferrari. This concept was more effectively expressed in a press conference today.
Carlos Sainz’s comments:
“Do you believe that (Charles Leclerc and I) are fighting to be number one? The press is responsible for all this because in our contracts and in our driving styles, it’s clear that Ferrari is the number one priority. Ferrari comes first, everything else comes after.” – the Spanish driver pointed out.
“The priority is for Ferrari to win, it has always been that way, and it will always be that way. Once you’ll be in front, another time behind, sometimes you help your teammate, and sometimes he helps you. No matter how much people want to find a lead and a second driver, Charles and I have never had any problems, and we’ve always worked perfectly together. This is the beauty of Ferrari, an advantage that is seen as a disadvantage from the outside. Does this affect us? I don’t know, it certainly doesn’t help. Fans who always try to find the problem or the articles that put pressure on the lead and second driver certainly don’t help. We’re quite used to all of this, and we know how to handle such situations well. However, those who care about Ferrari shouldn’t spread or encourage such rumors: first of all, because they don’t represent the truth, and secondly, because they don’t help.” – Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz concluded, ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.
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