It turns out, not only did the Spaniard make the transition better than any other driver joining a new team, but he also managed to overtake Leclerc.
see photosSainz secures 4 podium finishes for prestigious Italian team
One of the highlights of the 2021 season was Carlos Sainz Jr’s performance in his first season at Ferrari. Sainz was under immense pressure after coming into the legendary team in place of 4-time world champion Sebastian Vettel, a stellar stint at McLaren, where he was the No. 1 driver. Sainz Jr. was also entering a turbulent environment in a team that was backing the very talented Charles Leclerc and coming out of a really bad phase in its history after the 2020 season. He was also joining at a time when testing was limited so his transition to the new car was going to be difficult.
And as it turned out, not only did Carlos Sainz Jr. make the transition better and faster than any other driver joining the new team, but he also managed to overtake Leclerc by a few points. In doing so he achieved more podium finishes than his Monegasque teammate, whom Ferrari supported early in his career and led to a 5-year contract.
His performance has logically surprised many, as Leclerc did not have a bad season, but on the contrary, he was unlucky and took some retirement. But regardless, Sainz also did a good job with the technical side of the car, its work ethic, its racecraft, qualifying speed, and generally with Leclerc.
The world rally champion’s son has proven to be a cunning orator in pressure situations
That is what Ferrari F1 boss Mattia Binotto has now proven and is looking at the Spaniard’s side a contract extension. Presumably, his scintillating performance at the Scuderia has also attracted former Spanish sponsor Santander to Ferrari. This was when Fernando Alonso was with the team until 2017.
“I would like to sit with her [Sainz], I haven’t started a discussion with him yet, I don’t know what’s on his mind as well, till date no answer from him. First I would like to understand how happy he is. You have a review with him on the season and look into the future together. It will be a simple and easy discussion, no doubt about it,” said the Ferrari motorsport chief.
“You know, when we signed with Carlos, the aim was to have two good drivers who were good racers, consistent and able to score points for the team. I think that’s what we got this season, So I’m very proud of it. They both. I think, as I often said, we’ve got the best line-up in Formula 1 and the paddock, and of course, I’m very proud of what Carlos did this season. I am happy. With him being his first season with Ferrari, it was not straight and clear,” he said.
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Sainz scored 164.5 points, which strengthened his P5 in the World Drivers’ Championship ahead of Perez and his former teammate Lando Norris, in addition to Leclerc managing a P7. Ferrari now has a wealth of talent waiting in the wings with former Alfa Romeo driver Antonio Gionviazzi becoming its reserve driver this year, FDA graduate Mick Schumacher sharing duties while driving for Haas, and Callum Ilot is looking at other motorsport categories.
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