Carlos Sainz, more than a number 2?

The departure of Sebastian Vettel (at the end of the season) recorded in May 2020, the Team Ferrari decided to trust another Charles, a Hispanic version this time, to represent its interests on the track: Carlos Sainz, son of the world rally champion.

The bet then seemed daring. The Iberian was only coming out of his first season - although successful - with McLaren and fans were perhaps expecting another name when Baby Schumi's replacement was announced, surely a driver with a more extensive CV. Expected at Maranello in 2021 only, Carlos Sainz meanwhile had a great final campaign at Woking punctuated by a 6th place in the drivers' standings before going red.

Promised to the role of No. 2 by the detractors behind Charles Leclerc, as was able to do Valtteri Bottas with Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes, before even putting on the “rossa” suit, Carlos Sainz preferred not to hear anything concerning the subject, putting an end to any possible speculation.

« Second driver at Ferrari? No, I didn't sign anything that says I'm second driver. In my contract, it is written that the team is above the driver, but nothing says that I am second, he admitted on Radio Marca shortly after his transfer was made official in 2020.

What I know is that I will give everything for Ferrari. I will give whatever it takes, especially to try to win. I treat all drivers the same, we are all rivals. If there is a complicated situation, we will make a decision ».

Ready for everything

Like every driver who passed through the corridors of Maranello, Carlos Sainz knew he was expected even before the start of the 2021 season, his first in red.

In order to arrive in the best conditions for his debut with Ferrari, the Spaniard was quite active in the facilities of his new team but also on the track with driving sessions near Fiorano for a good cause.

« The ambition is to help create a winning team, bring the Scuderia back to the top and win the world championship. Every team goes through tough times at some point. This is part of the Formula 1 », Explained the main person concerned earlier this year.

Ambitious, Carlos Sainz knew that bringing Ferrari back to the forefront was no easy feat. Regardless, the Madrilenian said it constantly: he is ready to give everything for his team.

Scrutinized closely, the Iberian got off to a smooth start with an 8th place in qualifying in Bahrain at the start of the season before finishing the race in the same position. Nothing too extraordinary for his debut with the Scuderia but Carlos Sainz delivered a good performance during the following round at Imola.

Eliminated in Q2 and condemned to 11th place on the grid, he moved to 5th under the checkerboard just behind his teammate Charles Leclerc.

Presumably at ease aboard the SF21, the former member of the house Renault continues the good performances in qualifying (5th in Portugal and 6th in Spain) getting closer and closer to the times of his neighbor in the garage. Unfortunately in the race, the story is quite different since a bad strategy propelled him out of the Top 10 in Portimão before finishing behind his initial position in Barcelona (7th).

Gain confidence

A decent first assessment for the newcomer but which leaves much to be desired as the Spaniard aspires to better from this season. A reaction which did not take long since he signed his first podium with the Scuderia in his 5th race in Monaco. More than a podium, Carlos Sainz showed his leaders that they could count on him when the time is not for joy on the other side of the garage.

Expected in pole position, Charles Leclerc was ultimately unable to start the Monaco Grand Prix because of his driveshaft (shaken after his accident the day before). Hopes then rested on the son of the Matador who did not waver by starting 3rd.

In a race where overtaking is rare, he finished 2nd behind the winner Max Verstappen (Red Bull) proving a little more that he is not in Maranello to make up the number. “ This is a sign that the team is progressing step by step », rejoiced the main team, Mattia Binotto.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Carlos Sainz (@carlossainz55)

Carlos Sainz confirmed these signs during the Austrian double meeting. After a failed outing at Paul Ricard with an 11th place finish and a deplorable race pace, the Madrilenian reversed the trend on the Red Bull Ring showing once again his qualities and his mastery.

Out of the picture in qualifying with a 12th place on the grid for the Styrian Grand Prix and an 11th for the Austrian Grand Prix a week later, he responded on Sunday, the most important day of the week.

After a good 6th place in Styria, he confirmed in Austria with a Top 5, again in Spielberg. Using a one-stop-and-start strategy on hard tires, the Spaniard, well helped by Charles Leclerc who let him pass during the Grand Prix, displayed a very good race pace and took 5th place, his second best result after Monaco.

 Otro buen domingo! Carrera with solid strategy, loaded with tires and with large rubber management, worked in team with Charles and added certified to carry P5. Aún no estamos donde queremos, pero vamos a por ello!

https://t.co/80Ok2K7fJG#CarlosSainz pic.twitter.com/ht5gQBXnKz

- Carlos Sainz (@ Carlossainz55) July 4, 2021

« Carlos secured this 5th position with very good driving, savored Mattia Binotto upon arrival. The decisions taken were the right ones (...) I also remember the team spirit shown by our drivers since Charles did not hesitate to let Carlos pass who had fresher tires and was faster. This is the right mindset as we continue to progress ».

In support of Charles Leclerc, the Spaniard showed that he was capable of taking matters into his own hands when the Monegasque is not having a good day. If his results show a successful integration at Maranello, it will take more for Carlos Sainz to debunk Leclerc from his status as number 1. The Monegasque is in fact the young prodigy of the Scuderia, he is adored by fans and has a contract which runs until 2024 (compared to 2022 for the Iberian). But you never know, Carlos Sainz may not have finished surprising us…