Ferrari: contractual variables in the Charles Leclerc – Carlos Sainz partnership. Why Ferrari choosing Charles Leclerc doesn't rule out coexistence with Carlos Sainz.

Mercedes isn’t Ferrari, and it never will be. That’s how today’s article begins, considering that if history exists, there’s a reason for it. The German brand has been building cars for a long time, and they do it very well. In fact, the invention of the automobile is attributed to the engineer Karl Benz, founder of the Stuttgart-based automotive company. But being the first doesn’t necessarily mean being the best. Moreover, the historic Italian “factory” in Maranello shapes four-wheeled dreams. Enzo created a myth in red that still, 36 years after his passing, lives on in the minds of his successors.

Drake was interested in competing. His goal was to triumph with his works around the world. The racing team was his life, and nothing and no one was worth more to him. It was an unconditional love that cannot be explained but only experienced. Charles Leclerc thinks exactly the same way, who yesterday, simultaneously with the Prancing Horse, made official the agreement that will bind him to the Italian F1 team for the next 5 racing seasons. A contract that includes 3 fixed years plus the option for another two.

“Ferrari means everything to me!” This is the first phrase that the Monegasque reiterated through the video on social channels. A declaration of love that goes far beyond the conjectures that can be read around. One of them is: “But if Leclerc didn’t sign with Ferrari, where would he go? He was forced!” Well it seems a rather simplistic reasoning to conclude the matter in this way. Yes, because a talent like Charles, if released, would likely “shake up” the driver market. This is our opinion, whether it is right or wrong.

There is also another interesting topic worth discussing. Let’s talk about the “rivalry” between the drivers of the Scuderia. A comparison that connects us to the beginning of the article. Not by chance, today’s piece starts by mentioning Mercedes, considering that the “Spanish hunch” has questioned Ferrari’s contractual behavior towards its drivers. Before delving into the heart of the arguments, we would like to reiterate once again that our perspective is merely an opinion. Nothing more. A viewpoint built on concrete facts combined with a certain understanding of the events concerning the Ferrari world.

Ferrari: Choosing Leclerc doesn’t rule out coexistence with Sainz

The statistics speak for themselves: Leclerc has achieved better results than Sainz since the two have been frequenting Maranello, despite the races that Ferrari has personally undertaken to ruin him with absurd strategies. There’s no point in discussing this fact. But what really matters is something else. The difference between the two drivers lies in the talent and skills they display. A very visible difference that prompted the Italian team to bet on Charles. Because to win in F1, except in very rare cases, you need a number one driver.

For this reason, the comparison with Mercedes doesn’t hold for us. The situation is quite different, as in Brackley, the careers of the drivers are on two completely different levels. On one side, there’s the star Lewis Hamilton, 39 years old, capable of matching and partly surpassing the feats of a certain Michael Schumacher. On the other, a young promise with a story yet to be written. The German team knows that the future is called George Russell, and for this reason, the treatment seems more prioritized. Yes, we wrote “seems”…

Not more than a week ago, essentially, a certain Toto Wolff firmly reiterated that the Black King is still the best F1 driver, and they rely on him to win the championship again. So, in this case too, the Anglo-Germans have chosen the horse to bet on. As they have done in the past, pairing Lewis with “butler” Bottas. Mercedes has a winning mentality? Absolutely. And precisely for this reason, they have fully supported Hamilton, ensuring he’s well paid and always providing him with contractual priority over Valtteri.

The same winning strategy is used by Red Bull and the one Ferrari has decided to implement. There aren’t many differences. No one within GES is trying to “upset the balance”. On the contrary, they are trying to create one. An equation where the variables no longer hold the same value. Concentrating to the maximum on who you think can provide a greater and more consistent competitive advantage is wise. It’s the game of parts where one of them, in this case Sainz, must accept certain choices if he wants to continue wearing the red suit. There’s no malice or prejudice, just a lot of self-awareness.

So what will the Spaniard decide for the future? As far as we know, he should renew. Although our advice is worth like the Two of Trumps in Briscola, logically, for the Spaniard, it would seem sensible to accept his new position as number 2. In doing so, he would still have the opportunity to prove to the whole world that the Scuderia is wrong about him. How? Very simple… by matching Leclerc’s competitive level and perhaps occasionally beating him. If he succeeds, the gates of paradise will open for him, along with undoubtedly more lucrative scenarios.

Source: Alessandro Arcari for Formula Uno Analisi Tecnica