Best after show: Is Ferrari sending the wrong Formula 1 star into the desert?

Better after damage
Is Ferrari sending the wrong Formula 1 star into the desert?

April 8, 2024, 6:49 pm

Carlos Sainz drives like he’s unlocked, but has to give way to Lewis Hamilton next year: Is Ferrari sending the wrong man? According to the results of the race, it is 3-0 in the duel with Charles Leclerc. However, there are also clear developments to be observed by the Monegasque.

Carlos Sainz smiled. “I’m in good shape this year, driving at a high level,” said the Ferrari driver, enjoying the moment. Third place in Japan, again the best of the Formula 1 world. And above all: once again ahead of his teammate Charles Leclerc. Many Scuderia fans are slowly asking themselves the question: Is Ferrari sending the wrong man at the end of the year?

Why: While Ferrari recently extended Leclerc’s contract, the traditional team will replace Sainz next year with record world champion Lewis Hamilton. But the relegation seems to have given the Spaniard new impetus. “I’m fast at the moment,” said Sainz, who has been making Leclerc look bad so far this season.

“Right now the man in Formula 1” – behind Verstappen

The 29-year-old not only took the Reds’ only win of the season so far in Australia, whenever he was able to drive, the “Smooth Operator” was quicker to finish than Leclerc. The result is 3-0 in race results, 2-1 in qualifying matches. And if Sainz had not been out in Saudi Arabia due to additional surgery, he would probably be ahead of his teammate in the World Cup standings.

“Apart from long-time winner Max Verstappen, he is currently the man in Formula 1 form,” writes the special website Motorsport-Total about Sainz, who himself has a simple explanation for his growing height: “We” just improve the car.” But Leclerc’s Ferrari has also been quick and smooth on sensitive tyres. The Monegasque is also said to have what it takes to be world champion. And yet Sainz steals the show. “I’d be lying if I said I was happy,” Leclerc said recently.

Would you like to return to Red Bull?

And yet next year Leclerc will be allowed to drive the world’s most famous racing car alongside Hamilton, and Sainz will be “the unemployed man of the future,” as he joked recently. But it is almost certainly not going away, he submits himself very strongly. Three races, three times on the podium. These are strong cover letters. Sainz is “of course in discussions with a few teams” and is looking at “what is the best option for me and my future,” he said in Suzuka and hopes that he will get a new contract with one “later. “Another team can sign.

There are rumors, among other things, about a return to Red Bull if Sergio Perez has to leave. As a reminder: Sainz managed to enter the first class with the sister team Toro Rosso in 2015. After recent strong performances, Leclerc is not the only one who is sure: “Carlos has many different options for 2025, and now it is up to him to make a choice better.” And Ferrari may still be angry.