Ferrari, in Maranello they regret Carlos Sainz: “No one will admit the mistake”
The podium in Baku has reignited Ferrari’s regret. In Maranello, many are feeling the absence of Carlos Sainz, although “no one will ever admit it.” The sentiment was voiced by Günther Steiner during his appearance on the podcast The Red Flags following the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. In Baku, the Spanish driver now racing for Williams celebrated his first podium of the season with his new team, and in doing so, he beat none other than seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton.
The old saying goes that hindsight is always clear. In Formula 1, where decisions can be both technical and managerial, it is always easier to judge them after seeing the consequences. Looking at the short term, and considering the podium in Baku, it is undeniable that Carlos Sainz could have been valuable to the current Ferrari project.
However, it must also be pointed out that the Drivers’ Championship standings tell a slightly different story. Sainz has just over half the points of his Williams teammate Alexander Albon. That gap reflects a mix of bad luck and the inevitable adaptation phase to a new team, which has not been without challenges. Yet despite this, more than a few voices in the paddock suggest that some regret is spreading within Maranello.
Steiner: “The managers cannot say it, but they regret Sainz”
Among those voices is Günther Steiner, who stated: “I think someone regrets [Sainz] at Ferrari. The management will never be able to admit it, because that would mean confessing to a mistake, but I am sure that some people already feel that way. Carlos Sainz has been on the podium, and I believe he is the one most satisfied with this situation.”
According to the former Haas team principal, the reasons are not only linked to Sainz’s results but also to the atmosphere surrounding Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari: “Carlos is doing a good job. With him, they would not have all that background noise that comes from the fact that Lewis is not performing at his best. The team could have focused entirely on the track, instead of thinking about why the car does not suit Hamilton.”
Steiner then added a further reflection: “With Sainz, they knew exactly what they had. He was fast. With Lewis, and I respect him a lot, but so far, considering the agitation he brings within the team, I do not believe they have made a good investment.”
