SUMMARY
- Ferrari's internal rivalry intensifies as Carlos Sainz narrows the gap to Charles Leclerc, displaying superior consistency and securing victories.
- Leclerc gracefully acknowledges Sainz's current advantage, attributing it to his teammate's impressive performance and qualifying strength.
Ferrari finds itself in a unique position with Carlos Sainz racing on board the team along with Charles Leclerc in 2024. The team had announced the signing of Lewis Hamilton at the beginning of the year, which resulted in Sainz being shown the way out of the Italian team. While currently the closest challenger to Red Bull in the 2024 championship, Ferrari faces an internal battle for dominance among the drivers.
Sainz, despite missing a race due to surgery, has closed the gap to teammate Leclerc in the standings, currently trailing by just four points. The Spaniard has shown some impressive consistency in recent races, consistently outscoring Leclerc across the last three outings. This culminated in a dominant victory at the Australian Grand Prix, a clear display of his growing confidence and pace.
Charles Leclerc reveals the superior performance shown by Carlos Sainz
The Monegasque, displaying commendable sportsmanship, acknowledges Sainz’s current advantage. Leclerc recently stated, “I think it’s as simple as he’s doing a better job. I think in Bahrain, it’s difficult to compare because on my side I was facing issues and I think it was a very strong weekend apart from that. However, in the last two races, he’s just been stronger. It’s up to me now to work, especially in the qualifying pace, which is normally a strength.”
Leclerc on recent performances | #F1 #ChineseGP
He’s doing a better job. Regarding Bahrain it is difficult to make comparisons because for my part I was facing problems and I think it was a very good weekend on my part, apart from this problem. However, in the last two races…
— Ferrari Focus (@Scuderiascoop) April 18, 2024
He puts this down to the better work of his coworker, especially in qualifying, where Sainz has twice set the fastest time. Leclerc, nevertheless, remained unfazed and expressed hope for Ferrari’s chances in the next Chinese Grand Prix. With both drivers in the Maranello-based outfit pushing to bridge the gap to the championship leader, the Shanghai race is poised to be a very exciting event.
Not very long ago, Leclerc voiced his opinions on Sainz’s future in Formula 1. The driver seemed optimistic that his teammate was being approached by several teams and bosses. As their partnership was coming to an end, their cold-war phases seemed to have toned down. Although Sainz and Leclerc have shown bromance on screen, their relationship has not always been flowery.
Teammate battle at Ferrari as Sainz edges out Leclerc
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz found themselves embroiled in a tense radio exchange during qualifying for the 2023 British Grand Prix. Leclerc expressed frustration with an aggressive message after Sainz overtook him on track, despite Leclerc having priority. The Spaniard, however, closed the gap on Leclerc in the driver’s championship standings with a strong second half of the season.
sure. Q1 British GP. leclerc had priority and Sainz did what Sainz does best- be a brat and disobey it, jeopardizing both their quali positions https://t.co/dnLrq423gF pic.twitter.com/TfJ7UMKH7O
— Lara (@leclarity_) November 22, 2023
Despite his late surge, a disappointing performance in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the previous season prevented Ferrari from claiming second place in the constructors’ championship. Despite missing a crucial race, Sainz bounced back in style at the 2024 Bahrain GP. After overcoming an initial setback where he lost positions on the first lap, he showcased impressive fighting spirit.
The 29-year-old driver, not only overtook his teammate Leclerc but also capitalized on George Russell’s troubles to secure a well-deserved podium finish. However, the Monegasque realizes that Sainz needs to prove himself on the track to secure a permanent spot from 2025 onwards. Due to this scenario, the rivalry has toned done between the duo.
