‘We’ve Been Talking Already’ – Sainz Rules out Beating Charles Leclerc at Ferrari Early on

Carlos Sainz is departing from McLaren and moving on to Ferrari for the next season. He will drive alongside Charles Leclerc, the Monegasque who overshadowed a former champion, Sebastian Vettel this season.

Leclerc joined Ferrari in 2019 and immediately made a mark as a young hungry driver. His performance was significantly better than his teammate Vettel all season. As Sainz makes a move to Ferrari, he is well aware of the challenges brought by his skilled teammate.

“He’s performing, for me, one of the best on the grid right now. So it will be tough to match him, especially at the beginning, without any winter testing and anything,” said the Spaniard on Leclerc’s performance.

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Sainz on his relationship with Charles Leclerc

Carlos Sainz had a wonderful relationship with his teammate at McLaren. The Spaniard and Lando Norris were a part of an open McLaren culture and formed a lovable friendship. Meanwhile, Sainz believes he will have a similar relationship with the Monegasque at Ferrari.

He said, “I think we will get along well. I already have some contact and I do get on with Charles already, we’ve been talking already the last few months a bit.”

“He’s a great talent. I think he’s driving at an incredible level right now. The relationship with him, I will try and keep it as professional as possible. And then if we obviously get on well outside the track, I’m happy with that,” he further added.

The Maranello team had their worst season since 1980 this year, finishing in P6 of the championship table as their power unit problems continued to persist. The team went from being a top championship contender to scrapping the bottom of the midfield this season.

However, the team will hope that Sainz and Leclerc will help take the team back to their winning days in the coming seasons.