SUMMARY
- Carlos Sainz's standout performances for Ferrari have fueled speculation about his future, overshadowing Lewis Hamilton's signing.
- Ferrari's dilemma intensifies as Charles Leclerc praises Sainz, highlighting his qualities and potential impact on the team's decision-making.
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz made a stunning display in the opening rounds of the 2024 Formula 1 season, making his teammate, Charles Leclerc, free of any worries. The Spaniard’s dominant victory in the Australian Grand Prix, following a podium finish in Bahrain, has pushed him into the spotlight for the better. The recent developments have also cast doubt on the signing of Lewis Hamilton.
A return to Red Bull, where Sainz began his F1 career, holds considerable weight. His experience with the team and their current need for a reliable driver alongside Max Verstappen make this a compelling option. However, Sergio Perez’s underwhelming performance in Australia further strengthens the case for a change. Sainz’s consistent pace and ability to adapt to different cars could solidify Red Bull’s championship aspirations.
Team principals eyeing Carlos Sainz, says Charles Leclerc
With Lewis Hamilton’s impending departure, Mercedes finds itself in need of a proven talent. On the other hand, the Spanish driver on board the Ferrari team has knitted a chain of victories lately and podium finishes demonstrate his ability to consistently extract maximum performance from his machinery. This is the primary reason why Toto Wolff and Christian Horner would like Sainz on their respective teams.
📰: Charles Leclerc reveals Carlos Sainz is attracting interest from multiple F1 teams, with negotiations ongoing. Sainz’s impressive victory in Melbourne post-surgery highlights his talent. Red Bull and other top teams eyeing him for future seasons. #F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/xV7AaUQGQn
— F1 Naija (@f1_naija) March 25, 2024
According to the Monegasque, “I don’t think he’s underrated. I think everybody knows Carlos’ worth. I’m not too worried about his future, because I’m sure that many, many team principals are… he doesn’t say it, but for sure they are speaking with him. And I’m sure he will have many opportunities and he’ll just have to make the best choice for his career.”
Leclerc’s vocal admiration for Sainz further strengthens the Spaniard’s reputation. Leclerc acknowledges his teammate’s work ethic, racecraft, and ability to deliver under pressure, qualities highly valued within the paddock. On the other hand, if the 29-year-old maintains his form, Scuderia Ferrari might be forced to reconsider their decision if Hamilton continues to struggle with Mercedes.
Ex-Ferrari boss’ brutal take on Sainz’s move to Red Bull
A probable seat at Red Bull has been like an elephant in the room for a while now. Sergio Perez’s ongoing contract with the Austrian outfit is slated to end by the conclusion of the 2024 season. While Ferrari rapidly closing the gap with the RB20, Red Bull seeks a teammate who can consistently challenge Verstappen.
🗣️ | Helmut Marko on speculations of Carlos Sainz’s possible return to Red Bull
“Of course, [Carlos Sainz’s] form is fascinating, but it must be noted that Checo delivered three good races this year. The fact that he fell behind in Melbourne had the aforementioned causes of the… pic.twitter.com/XCcYdG18IS
— RBR News 🇳🇱🇲🇽 (@redbulletin) March 29, 2024
Initial contenders included Daniel Ricciardo, Yuki Tsunoda, and reserve driver Liam Lawson. However, Ricciardo’s recent slump necessitates a broader search. This has led Red Bull to consider Carlos Sainz. Nevertheless, a potential move presents a financial challenge, as Sainz might not replicate the sponsorship revenue generated by Perez, as highlighted by former Ferrari boss Peter Windsor.
Windsor stated, “He’s[Perez’s] probably going to win a race or two this year he brings quite a lot of money from Mexico. He knows the team, Max is happy with him, and therefore Adrian’s happy with him as a number two and he does quite good work with the sponsors back at the factory. Now Carlos is probably quicker, but probably doesn’t bring any money with him.”
The search for the ideal teammate intensifies, requiring a driver who matches Verstappen’s on-track prowess while contributing substantially to the team’s financial well-being.
