Sainz Explains What’s ‘More Valuable Than Age’ in F1 Ahead of Ferrari Debut

Carlos Sainz Jr. completed his move to Scuderia Ferrari after the end of the 2020 season and is looking forward to driving for the Italian giants. The Spaniard completed his first drive in a Ferrari car, specifically the 2018 SF71H, at Fiorano on the 27th of January. 

In an interview conducted after the testing process was concluded, his first as a Ferrari Driver, Sainz was asked how he felt about forming the youngest driver pairing at Scuderia since 1698. 

Age not an important factor claims Carlos Sainz

Sainz replied, “To be honest, I don’t think age on its own is such an important factor. If anything, experience in this sport is more valuable than age. Obviously, the older you are, the more experienced you get, but even that is not a guarantee that you will be faster.” 

Sainz used his own Formula 1 career as an example. “I’m only 26 years old but I’ve already done 6 seasons in Formula 1 and have driven for 3 different teams before joining Ferrari.”

He also mentioned his teammate, Charles Leclerc, saying, “Charles is 23 years old, but he is about to start his 4th season in Formula 1 and his third year with the team, so he knows the car and his way around Maranello perfectly.”

Not rookies anymore 

Emphasizing the fact that neither of them were rookies anymore, Sainz said that both of them recognize the responsibility that comes with driving a Ferrari.

Hence, being the youngest driving pair at Scuderia won’t affect them as they look to capitalize on the experience that they bring to the fold. 

He goes on to talk about how he looks forward to this responsibility in a positive way and is confident that with his partnership with Leclerc, he can bring forth new passion and hunger to the Italian team. 

Ferrari would also be looking to capitalize on this young pairing as they will try to overcome the shortcomings of the previous seasons and go back to the glory days where their name was almost synonymous with victory.