Carlos Sainz’s Under the Covers Relationship With Mattia Binotto Led to Charles Leclerc’s Suffering at Ferrari

After the incredibly disappointing 2022 season for Ferrari, we are already seeing the repercussions. The Italian team has replaced the team principal with the Frenchman Frederic Vasseur. According to a former driver, this is a favorable change for Charles Leclerc. Similar to how it was favorable for Carlos Sainz when Mattia Binotto was at the helm.

We are not accusing anyone of favoritism. However, the former driver Ralf Schumacher is. He believes that Leclerc’s personal relationship with Vasseur from Sauber will pay dividends in Ferrari now. Leclerc made his debut in 2018 under the leadership of the Frenchman. Even won a title for a team founded by Vasseur in 2016.

When asked if Vasseur and Leclerc would be close, Ralf Schumacher said, “Of course, they are very close.” (Translated by Google)

This is exactly a role reversal for Leclerc and Sainz. According to Schumacher, Mattia Binotto liked the Spaniard more. In fact, Schumacher also claims the former Ferrari boss’s relationship with Sainz hurt Leclerc.

He claimed, “Mattia Binotto was more of a fan of Carlos Sainz, whom he also brought in. Charles Leclerc also suffered a bit from that.”

However, the German believes, despite the change in posts and situations, performance will be the only measure. “It’s different now. But at the end of the day, what counts is performance at the end of the day,” said the expert.

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This personal relationship, coupled with convincing performances, can help make Leclerc the obvious no. 1 at Ferrari. He might need to practice this power sooner rather than later, with Sainz outlining his expectations for 2023.

Charles Leclerc needs to be wary of Carlos Sainz as the Spaniard expresses his desire to be a world champion

The two drivers are extremely civil and friendly with each other off the track. However, should the 2023 season pose an opportunity for either to get their hands on the championship, the claws will come out.

Speaking to the media, Sainz outlined his expectations for 2023. Talking to AS, he said, “My goal is to be world champion one day. I hope that if there is a good car again next year I can be in the fight from the beginning. Not letting go in that first half because I know that once I’m in the fight, I’m able to stay in it.” (Translated by Google)

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Do we see an intra-team rivalry stemming within Ferrari? Or will the two end up chasing the Red Bull men as they did in the 2022 season?