The 2024 Formula 1 championship season is upon us and there is still a lot of uncertainty throughout the grid regarding the future of multiple drivers. As we all know, Ferrari man Carlos Sainz is among the many but his future was made uncertain in the blink of an eye thanks to Lewis Hamilton‘s mega announcement. Despite the initial heartbreak, the Spaniard has moved past the shock and is focusing his energy on the present which is why he’s made a final request to this current team.
Carlos Sainz has been brilliant for the Italian team securing two race wins since putting on the red suit with 16 podiums and 5 poles to show for as well. He would surely want to add to this tally before he inevitably leaves the team ahead of the 2025 season. This is exactly why when asked to comment on the upcoming season, Sainz made a request to his team where he’s allowed more breathing room.
In 2023, there were moments when Sainz was given team orders in favor of his teammate Charles Leclerc under the guise of strategy. This hampered some of Sainz’s races and heading into the last season with Ferrari, Sainz wants to avoid this scenario.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He expressed this desire in an exclusive with SoyMotor. He said, “As always, it will also depend a little on the car. I would like to see a Carlos who is allowed to show off a little more in the race than he did last year; because last year, in the race, there was a lot of defense, a lot of strategy, a lot of thinking outside the box to see how we managed to finish ahead with that car. This year I hope, whether I start back or forward, to be able to try to go forward, whereas last year that was practically impossible. I want to have more fun in the race and continue trying to optimize the classification, which is still a point where I want to continue improving.”
The subtle from Sainz proves he wants to extract the most out of his last year with Ferrari, putting aside any rumors of an internal rift. In fact, not just from his team, Sainz made a similar request to his teammate as well.
Carlos Sainz urges Charles Leclerc to extend a helping hand in 2024 whenever needed
The Spaniard gets along very well with his teammate and Ferrari’s unsaid leader Charles Leclerc. However, incidents in the 2023 season hinted toward a possible falling out with Sainz Sr. fanning the fire after the 2023 Italian GP. However, moving forward with Sainz’s future away from the Italian team, he wants to end his relationship on cordial terms and wants to maximize his output with the team with the help of Leclerc.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I have always been a team man, exemplary in this sense, for whatever team I have led. I will definitely help Charles if it is necessary, in the same way I expect Charles to help me,” said the Spaniard.
This is the mentality Sainz is going into the 2024 season with, we’re not sure if Leclerc is on the same page as continues his hunt for his first championship.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY: Is Carlos Sainz Looking to Move away from Ferrari?
As we saw, the Spaniard expects the same from Ferrari as well. However, only time will tell if the Italian team will favor the out of favor driver for the upcoming season.