“Like Playing for Real Madrid and Spain” – Carlos Sainz Opens up on the Responsibility of Racing for Ferrari

While COVID-19 disrupted last year’s F1 season, Ferrari announced Carlos Sainz as their driver for 2021 even before the season started. Following their struggles throughout 2020, many wondered if the Spaniard made the right choice.

15 races into 2021, and it seems Sainz made the right choice. With three podiums and consistent top-10 finishes, the 27-year-old has 116.5 points so far, 0.5 more than his teammate Charles Leclerc. Recently, the ‘Smooth Operator’ spoke about the responsibility that comes attached with being a Ferrari driver.

Carlos Sainz uses Spanish analogy to highlight a Ferrari driver’s responsibility

Born in the Spanish capital of Madrid, Sainz is an avid fan of Real Madrid CF. In fact, the Spanish club announced Sainz as an honorary member earlier this year.

During an interview with Motorsport, the 27-year-old related his favorite football club to driving for Ferrari. In fact, he believed racing for the Italian outfit took on a responsibility which matched playing for the club and Spain combined.

He said, “There is an extra responsibility that does not exist in other teams, and it is linked to representing not only a team, but a nation. Let’s say, it’s like playing for Real Madrid and Spain at the same time together. You are not just a club but you represent an entire country.

“Racing for the Scuderia means racing for Ferrari and for Italy, you have to be aware of the responsibility that comes with it, but in the end it is an honor.” (Quotes translated by Google)

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Sainz: Feel honored to race for Ferrari

Despite the responsibility on a Ferrari driver’s shoulders, Sainz mentioned how he’s realising a childhood dream. He also admitted driving for the Maranello-based team instills him with pride.

“I grew up on Italian tracks racing in karts, and here I immediately touched the passion that exists in this country for Ferrari,” said the Spaniard. “I grew up with many other kids who raced in kart tracks dreaming of one day being a I am a Ferrari driver. For this reason, today that I am racing for this team I feel honored and privileged.”

While the future looks exciting for Ferrari, Sainz will look to finish this season on a high. With six races left, the Spaniard will hope to enhance the Italian outfit’s bid to beat McLaren. Whether or not he can achieve that, only time will tell.

READ MORE: Why Did Ferrari Sign Carlos Sainz?