The gap to Red Bull is now half compared to what was seen in the 2023 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix: this is the encouraging prospect with which Scuderia Ferrari leaves at the 5.807-kilometre Suzuka International Racing Course following a positive race on a circuit that, from the outset, was known to be challenging. A race concluded with Carlos Sainz in third place and Charles Leclerc in fourth, with the Spaniard, as mentioned, reduced the gap to Red Bull by 21 seconds, precisely half compared to the previous edition of the race in the Land of the Rising Sun. A result that, as of now, confirms the progress made by the Scuderia thanks to the solid work done on the SF-24: a car with ample room for development and still with room to imrpove to close the gap to Red Bull, which still leads the way.
Furthermore, the race also confirms Carlos Sainz’s excellent form, who, in the three races so far (excluding the Jeddah withdrawal due to appendicitis surgery), has always been able to finish ahead of his Maranello teammate Charles Leclerc, reaching the podium at Suzuka and Sakhir and winning in Australia. According to many, this form is the result of a period of peak maturity he is experiencing, while others attribute it to an extra motivation driven by the need, and desire, to showcase himself to secure a seat in a top team in 2025, when he will leave Ferrari to make way for Lewis Hamilton.
Speaking specifically about Carlos Sainz’s future, especially considering his strong start to 2024, former Formula One driver and 1996 world champion Damon Hill weighed in. The son of a racing legend bluntly described it as a tragedy if the Spaniard were to settle for a seat in a non-top-tier team in 2025, something he absolutely deserves based on his current performance.
“I think it would be a real tragedy if Carlos Sainz didn’t find himself in a prominent position next year. He deserves to be in a top team. Just look at his race today.” – the British former professional racing driver added.
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Damon Hill sees this scenario as tragic, but not entirely unlikely at present, as Carlos Sainz’s options seem limited, with the Red Bull option hardly feasible due to Max Verstappen’s presence, and Aston Martin already having their seats secured. Currently, the most concrete option seems to be Mercedes, although the presence of Kimi Antonelli appears to be a hurdle to securing a medium-to-long-term contract for a driver of Carlos Sainz Jr.’s status.
“Mercedes is the only option. Red Bull won’t work with Max. The team is managed by the Verstappen family.” – Damon Hill concluded.
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