Frederic Vasseur Rubbishes Rumored Rift With Carlos Sainz While Revealing Charles Leclerc’s Role in Team Dynamics

All anyone can talk about when it comes to Ferrari is the impact the mega Lewis Hamilton news has had on the team and the drivers. Perhaps the biggest impact was felt by Carlos Sainz as he was hoping to start contract extension talks and not be informed of his replacement via news. Sainz would’ve been disappointed, to say the least, but he’s still a professional and is committed to the task until the very end, which happens to be the end of the 2024 season. This is exactly what the boss Ferrari revealed in an exclusive with Il Messaggero.

There were reports of a rift between Carlos Sainz‘s camp and the team after the Hamilton news broke out. It would’ve been understandable as well on Sainz’s part because of the way he was informed about his future. However, in his exclusive, Vasseur revealed how the Spaniard has no ill feelings and debunked all suggestions of a rift between him and the team.

Vasseur said, “Sainz understood the situation and I’m sure he will go strong until the last curve of the season.” 

Vasseur also spoke about the impact of the news on Charles Leclerc as well. Vasseur revealed he doesn’t see Hamilton’s arrival as a challenge but rather an opportunity. “Leclerc is a smart guy. He immediately understood what he can achieve and learn from this collaboration. He lives it more than anything else as an opportunity,” he added.

Read More: Just Days After Ferrari Fired Him, Carlos Sainz Seems to Have Already Surrendered to Max Verstappen’s Dominance Ahead of the 2024 Season

There you have it, no love lost between Sainz and Ferrari at the moment. In fact, Sainz even revealed he will be a team player for Leclerc till the very end and he would expect him to do the same. However, soon they will become rivals on the track and it would be an interesting match-up. Although, what team Sainz will drive for is still a mystery, as the Spaniard is spoiled with options at the moment.

Carlos Sainz’s phone is ringing non-stop after his imminent Ferrari exit news hit the paddock

In the past two years, Sainz has proved himself as a race winner. His incredible win in Singapore earned him some serious track credit as well. So after his seat was grabbed by Hamilton leaving him drive-less for 2025, the Spaniard has become hot property on the grid. Thanks to his 2 wins and 16 podiums with Ferrari teams are lining up. Sainz gave proof of his popularity with an honest admission on how the off-season is turning out to be for him.

Sainz revealed that his phone is ringing non-stop. “Obviously my phone has been quite busy lately, especially in the last couple of weeks where I have received so many messages of support and encouragement, which have been a great help.”

However, he is still focused on the upcoming season more than anything else. “As it was for the whole F1 world, obviously it was a surprise for me too. As you can imagine, I received the news a little earlier than anyone else, but then I had a few weeks to think about it. This gave me time to digest it, draw my own conclusions, and start focusing on the 2024 season.” 

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

Sainz might’ve felt a little hard done by his team. However, such is the nature of the sport and we’re sure he’ll land himself a decent drive soon. His dedication to Ferrari in the current season will also help prove his value to his suitors.