The upgraded Ferrari one-seater F1-75 got a lot of praise in Bahrain and even Mercedes driver George Russell praised the Italian car. However, the Ferrari driver, Carlos Sainz, rejected the young Briton’s praise.

The 2022 season is just around the corner, and all teams are busy with the ongoing Bahrain pre-season testing. Ferrari 2022 challenger looks like a strong competitor this season, which can even compete against Mercedes and Red Bull.

To back these claims, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc had a phenomenal performance on the first day of Bahrain testing. Both the Ferrari drivers finished second and third on the Day 1 testing.

The outstanding performance by the Italian F1 team in Bahrain even impressed George Russell. However, the Ferrari man Sainz rejected those praises as he thinks Russell and Mercedes will shock everyone in the upcoming race.

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As reported by Autosport, Sainz said, “I think it is typical Mercedes and typical George, hype up the others and come to the first race and blow the competition away.”

Carlos Sainz having a problem with new Ferrari car in Bahrain

The 2022 Ferrari challenger F1-75 has already got a lot of attention. Many F1 fans are even speculating that the new Ferrari car will revive the glory days of the Italian F1 giants. Even team principal Mattia Binotto claims they have a bit advantage this season because of the latest rules and regulations.

The Italians were impressive at the Barcelona testing, but that might not be the same in Bahrain. Carlos Sainz had some troubles with his 2022 challenger in the Bahrain pre-season testing. Sainz initially drove his new car in Barcelona during the cold, but now driving in the Bahrain heat might be a whole different ballgame. Moreover, the new F1-75 is heavier compared to last year’s car, which only adds to the issue.

The 27-year-old reported to PlanetF1, “It feels, in Bahrain, let’s say, a bit worse than in Barcelona. Because it is a lot warmer and the tarmac has a lot less grip.”

“It feels a lot trickier to drive in Bahrain than in Barcelona but this is normal, we have this every year,” Carlos Sainz further added. “The car, in the corners, feels different to last year but it also feels like we are doing progress and we know better what to do after every lap.”

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The F1 fans should look out for the Italian F1 team and, especially, Carlos Sainz this upcoming season. The Spaniard will soon appear with his race-ready Ferrari F1-75 at the Bahrain Grand Prix from 18th to 20th March.