The Spanish Grand Prix last week witnessed the Ferrari drivers’ row in full display. On one side was their ‘Golden Boy’, Charles Leclerc blaming his teammate for a strategic failure in Barcelona. And on the other side was Carlos Sainz who kept cool throughout the disruption. Since that day, fans and experts alike have raised questions about the relationship between Leclerc and Sainz. Has bitterness infected the bond the drivers share or is it a clash of egos?

F1 pundit and former team boss Guenther Steiner, known for his straightforward opinions, tried to clear the smoke. “It was to be expected,” Steiner expressed. “Carlos was let go at the beginning of the season. He’s not waiting around for Charles if he’s faster.” During the race, Sainz kept overtaking Leclerc because he was faster and didn’t want to fall behind. It was Sainz’s home race. If Charles can use the free pass to impress Monaco, Sainz should also get a free pass to impress his natives.

While addressing the situation at Ferrari on The Red Flags Podcast’s YouTube channel, Guenther Steiner explained the situation. Steiner said, “Charles is not happy with it.” The expert further elaborated, “He will voice his concerns because he knows he’s the Golden Boy there, so he’s not stepping back.” Steiner suggests that their increasing competition, where Sainz and Leclerc are now simply “race car drivers being race car drivers,” is affecting their friendship.

According to Steiner, Sainz asks, “Why play the game here if I’m leaving in just 14 races?” He aims to showcase his abilities and compete against Leclerc, who remains at Ferrari. Since news of his contract termination, Carlos Sainz has been eager to demonstrate to Ferrari that removing him was not a wise decision.

Carlos Sainz is willing to risk it all to prove his worth in the game

Charles knows that Sainz is leaving and feels he should have all the rights to be number one. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz has shown a ‘risk-it-all’ attitude in all the races. Especially now he must prove himself to consolidate his position in F1 after his Ferrari era. Fans have witnessed his prowess as a driver from time to time. From his first win at Silverstone in 2022 to his recent win in Melbourne, the Spaniard has proved his mastermind.

Lewis Hamilton’s joining Ferrari has reinvigorated the ‘Smooth Operator,’ who now aims to execute every race perfectly. As the Styrian Grand Prix prepares to unfold this weekend, all eyes will now focus on the Ferrari garage.

Observers anticipate how Sainz and Charles Leclerc will navigate their dispute to bring Ferrari back on track. The ongoing saga between Charles and Carlos although predicted by some beforehand has captured attention. The contrasting approaches of Leclerc and Sainz add depth to Ferrari’s narrative, while their ongoing rivalry for supremacy on the track shapes the season. They will now navigate their differences while striving to propel Ferrari forward, and a piece of advice from Guenther Steiner for the Ferrari boys: “Do what would help themselves in the end and not look around for anything else.”

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