“Exactly What Ferrari Needs”: Despite Favoritism Towards Charles Leclerc, Teammate Carlos Sainz Tipped to Be Perfect Fit Because of Rare Quality

It goes without saying that each team has a preferred driver in the world of Formula 1. In the same way that Max Verstappen represents Red Bull, his success is a result of both his qualities and the team’s confidence in his considerably special abilities. However, now that the silly season has begun, it seems that there are discussions taking place in the F1 community over Carlos Sainz’s replacement. Frequently, we observe Ferrari favoring Charles Leclerc over Carlos Sainz, fully endorsing the notion that he is the more capable driver and that the axe is swinging at Carlos Sainz‘s neck anyhow. However, recently, an F1 veteran claimed that the Spanish driver would be the ideal fit for the Prancing Horse due to his unique quality. Will Ferrari acknowledge it?

Given the way the Spanish driver has performed this year in a Ferrari that has only occasionally generated results, it fully proves his mettle. Since Sainz joined Ferrari in 2021, the 2023 season stands as evidence of his improvement. However, given Charles Leclerc’s skills and the strong connection he has with Frederic Vasseur, it remains apparent that Leclerc is given priority in the Ferrari camp.

To put it further into perspective, in the qualifying session at the British track, the Monaco driver came out on top slightly over Sainz, passing the Spaniard by the finest margins of a few seconds in Q3. If Sainz hadn’t passed Leclerc to finish his lap in the final seconds of elimination, he might not have advanced to Qualifying Round 3. Later, Sainz called attention to favoritism, but no one listened.

And in the past few weeks, news regarding Carlos Sainz moving to Audi has been making the rounds. The 28-year-old still has a contract with Ferrari through the end of 2024, but given Ferrari’s current situation, there is a suspicion that Sainz may lose his job as a result. Juan Pablo Montoya, a veteran of Formula One, initially advised Sainz to stay at Ferrari while speaking to motorsports.com as quoted by F1 maximaal, “Carlos (Sainz, ed.) would be a good driver for Audi, but does he want to go to Audi?”

Later he said,”I think he’s a really good fit for Ferrari. His way of working is exactly what Ferrari needs.” While wrapping up the conversation, Pablo highlighted that rare quality and said, “When you drive for Ferrari, you have to have a tough character and I think Sainz has that in him.” [ Translated Via Google]

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Given how Sainz is being handled within the squad, the rumors have only grown more widespread, and amidst that, Frederic Vasseur has intervened to put an end to the confusion.

Frederic Vasseur clarifies the situation amid Carlos Sainz’s succession talks

Rumors regarding the replacement of Scuderia’s driver and engineers have been circulating under Frederic Vasseur’s direction. However, the team boss decided to speak up about a potential Carlos Sainz replacement now, since he had previously just focused on the SF-23. According to rumors, Alex Albon was up for replacing Carlos Sainz after turning in the best performance of his life in an upgraded Williams.

While opening up on the matter as quoted by Motorsport.com, Frederic Vasseur rubbishes any such news, he said, “I don’t know where this story came from. I’ve had Albon in the past, we’re friends. But… if a journalist asks me if Alexander is currently doing a good job, I say yes.” While wrapping he clarified. “But that doesn’t mean I’m interested in taking him.” [Translated Via Google]

WATCH THIS STORY: Is Carlos Sainz Looking to Move away from Ferrari?

Do you believe Carlos Sainz will make a decision soon considering the preference given to Charles Leclerc?