Home/F1

via Imago

via Imago

The most difficult and infuriating aspect for an F1 driver is being paired with a driver with a championship-winning pedigree. This is exactly the difficult position Carlos Sainz was put in back in 2021 when he moved to Ferrari. Despite being in the circus for longer, Sainz was never rated above his teammate Charles Leclerc with the Monegasque possessing ample championship-winning talent. However, as time has passed, Sainz has held his own and put up a fight, especially in 2023. In fact, according to Ralf Schumacher, the Spaniard has even won the intra-team battle against Leclerc as the Monegasque still proves to be his biggest enemy.

Leclerc exposed Ferrari’s error-prone strategies in 2022, but he also highlighted his lack of consistency. In 2023, Sainz exposed this side of Leclerc even further as the Spaniard pushed his teammate. This push forced a lot of errors from Leclerc. According to Schumacher, on the Formula1.de YouTube channel, as quoted by Motorsport-Total, these errors make Sainz a better driver for Ferrari in 2023.

via Imago

According to Schumacher, Sainz was even the “clear number 1” at Ferrari in 2023. This is exactly why Leclerc has been pushing to the limit but often makes mistakes that cost him. This inconsistency on the track is what sets Sainz and Leclerc apart in 2023, at least.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

According to Schumacher, Leclerc at times “wants to take the crowbar and fight. Charles wants to make the difference with all his might and then runs over his car and also makes mistakes. Sainz is more level-headed.” (Translated via Google) 

Read More: Charles Leclerc Contradicts Carlos Sainz by Setting the Bar Too High Despite His Monza Failures

Many believed Sainz was better than Leclerc, and now so does Ralf Schumacher, as he expressed his harsh but definitely honest assessment of Leclerc’s performance in 2023. The Monegasque is pipped to be a world champion. However, without the championship or even a race win out of sight in 2023, the Monegasque still dreams big dreams.

Charles Leclerc reveals his heartfelt connection with Ferrari and his desire to win big with the Italian team

A young Charles Leclerc always dreamt of driving in Formula 1 and driving while donning the famous red overalls. He has certainly achieved both goals, but there is still a lot more to achieve for the Monegasque. Leclerc has the ability to win a lot more races than he has and even become a world champion.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

However, currently, the Red Bull mammoth stands in his way, led by his old rival Max Verstappen. Despite that, Leclerc still dreams of winning a championship with Ferrari. He revealed that in a recent interview when he was asked if he would swap seats with Verstappen.

via Reuters

Leclerc said, “I would never change with him. In the sense that being a Ferrari driver has always been my dream and becoming world champion with Ferrari is my goal. I know that right now I don’t have the car to fight with Max, but I have no doubt that my path is the right one. I will look at my career when I retire, but I have no regrets or remorse. I am happy at Ferrari.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THIS STORY: Charles Leclerc’s Hopeful Mission: Reviving Ferrari Despite Massive Gap!

Talk about dedication. There is genuine love for Ferrari in Leclerc’s heart and he would do anything to win a championship with them. Is that what his future holds? We’re not sure! However, as it seems, we will be seeing Leclerc in Ferrari Reds for a long time.