It feels like an eternity since the Prancing Horse won any major titles. Kimi Raikkonen was the last Ferrari driver to win the world championship, and their previous constructor’s title was in 2008. Since then, Ferrari has faced a series of disappointments. Some years the issue was the car; at other times, strategic failures and incompatible driver pairings have heated the garage (for all the wrong reasons!). However, the picture has changed exponentially since Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc arrived. Thanks to their efforts and mastery, people in the paddock take Ferrari seriously.

So, what’s the secret behind the resurgence of the team? Improved machinery and a better game plan have played a pivotal role. More importantly, the teammates – Sainz and Leclerc have a good understanding between them; an important aspect which Ferrari had been missing. Despite the great outputs in recent times, the Red squad isn’t yet ready for world titles. Once upon a time, a seat in Ferrari was the direct pass to the World Champion title. But now the scenario has changed.

Carlos Sainz has accepted, he won’t be a world champion with Ferrari

Ferrari is any driver’s dream team. They want to go to the team to become world champions. And ‘Smooth Operator’ was the chosen one. Since his journey with the team in 2021, Sainz has beautifully partnered with Charles Leclerc to reach great heights. However, will he have regrets knowing the fact that he won’t be a world champion with Ferrari? But it looks like, Carlos has made peace with reality.

Speaking with GQ, the Spaniard stated: “The moment you realize that the car isn’t good enough to win a world championship, you make peace with yourself.” Adding, “If I had had a car these years to win a world championship and I hadn’t won it, then it would have been harder for me to accept that I had the opportunity and I didn’t take advantage of it.” Sainz acknowledged that the current Ferrari cars cannot make him or Leclerc world champions. He has accepted that he won’t be a champion with Ferrari but would have struggled if he missed opportunities with a title-winning car.

However, focusing on the positive sides of his Ferrari journey, Sainz is somewhat satisfied that his stay wasn’t a waste of time. “Focusing on the positive, I did have a car to win some races and I have won some races. I have had some pole positions and some victories. Above all, many podiums for this team,” remarked the 29-year-old. Sainz won his first-ever race with Ferrari in 2022 at Silverstone. In fact, all his wins have been with Fred Vasseur‘s army. Looking back 10-12 years ago, Ferrari had been struggling to maintain their grounds in the sport. Compared to that, the team is in a much better place, fighting for the top spot.

Ferrari of 2024 vs in 2020, which one is better?

The Maranello-based team hasn’t been outside the top 10 in the constructor’s standing. That itself is a milestone. However, their strategies and car issues have been a major problem over the last 15 years. While they always have a strong start to the seasons, the joy is short-lived. Soon, the team is bombarded with bouncing issues, balance issues, lack of speed, and whatnot! Sometimes, gameplans have been the villains.

Back in 2020, the Red squad experienced the worst season in their history. With repeated failures, the drivers had turned slightly underconfident in their cockpits. ‘Golden Boy’ Charles Leclerc also couldn’t do much, and surprising Sebastian Vettel’s 2020 was also a big disappointment. They finished sixth on the table, the lowest they’d been since 1980. Compared to that, 2024 is a much better season. Two wins in 13 races and multiple podiums from both Sainz and Leclerc have got them to take the 3rd place. Ferrari was second on the table, but their recent disappointments dragged them down. However, it’s never too late to bounce back!

As the 2024 season rolls deeper, Ferrari will have more attention on them. Especially Carlos Sainz, because his future lies in darkness. His hunger to prove his worth hasn’t been subdued. However, he is aware he cannot become the next world champion with the Prancing Horse. Not only because they don’t have the winning car, but also because he will be leaving at the end of the year. So, with his eyes focused on his career, Sainz could be brewing up something exceptional.

What do you make of Ferrari’s resurgence in recent years? Share in the comments below.