In a stunning turn of events at the Australian Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz emerged as the unexpected hero. Seizing the victory, he also broke Red Bull’s dominant streak, despite Max Verstappen’s strong start. While technical issues dashed Mark’s hopes, it led to an unfortunate DNF, opening the door for Sainz, who capitalized on the opportunity. Soon, he claimed the lead.
Behind Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc graciously offered unwavering support and praise for his teammate’s triumphant performance, heralding Ferrari’s return to the podium’s top step. This display of camaraderie and sportsmanship raised intriguing questions for Team Principal Frederic Vasseur, who had long considered Leclerc the team’s primary driver. Additionally, he revealed that Monegasque faced tire issues till the last stint of the race.
Frederic Vasseur unveils Carlos Sainz’s influence on Charles Leclerc
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With Carlos Sainz securing victory and Charles Leclerc finishing in second place, Frederic Vasseur can reflect on the Australian Grand Prix with pride. In a recent Twitter post, Vasseur expressed, “It’s an extra motivation for Carlos because it was an excellent start to the season, for Charles because he wants to do well. It’s a good reward for everyone, we’re going in the right direction. We hope to do well in Japan this weekend.” This statement encapsulates the team’s determination and unity as they strive for success in the upcoming race.
Vasseur: "It's an extra motivation for Carlos because it was an excellent start to the season, for Charles because he wants to do well. It's a good reward for everyone, we're going in the right direction. We hope to do well in Japan this weekend."https://t.co/lS7XqRVVSm
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) April 3, 2024
The Ferrari team principal congratulated the Spaniard, acknowledging his remarkable victory despite recently undergoing appendix surgery. In this commendation reported by GP Blog, he said, “Today, I want to congratulate the whole team, because everyone did a perfect job and this one-two is the reward for the amazing work which began last season and is now ongoing both at the track and back in Maranello,”
Later, he also revealed the challenging stint that Monegasque endured throughout the race. Shedding light on these obstacles, he said, “Charles also produced a solid performance because, after a less than perfect qualifying, he had to manage the tyres, but he was able to fight back thanks to the performance he got from the car,”. Despite leaving Ferrari, Carlos Sainz harbors no resentment, pledging to support Leclerc. As future rivals, their dynamic adds intrigue. However, the Spaniard’s next team remains a mystery, with many potential options lying ahead.
Constant phone calls for Carlos Sainz
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Over the past two years, Carlos Sainz has proven himself a race winner, notably with a remarkable win in Singapore that earned him considerable acclaim. Despite losing his seat to Lewis Hamilton in 2025, he’s now in high demand on the grid. With two wins and 16 podiums for Ferrari, teams are currently lining up for his signature, where Sainz’s popularity is evident. Elaborating on his challenges, he was caught openly sharing the off-season battles.
The Spaniard revealed that his number keeps ringing, claiming, “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.” Nonetheless, Carlos Sainz emphasized keeping his full focus on the upcoming race, maintaining optimism despite challenges from his current team. At the moment, he’s hopeful for a promising team opportunity in 2025.
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Should Carlos Sainz secure a top team in 2025? How do you perceive his replacement with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari?