In 2022, Leclerc and Sainz will be free to fight at Ferrari

With only 5,5 points difference between the two men at the end of the 2021 season and such homogeneity regarding the Ferrari doublet, the question inevitably arose this winter in the corridors of Maranello. Should there be a number 1? Charles Leclerc et Carlos Sainz will they have the right to fight if the car has everything it takes to be up for victories and the title? “We actually talked about all that, explained the Monegasque, beaten for the first time in his career by a teammate in 2021. It was just yesterday or the day before yesterday I think. We are free to fight, obviously without taking any risks, because we are driving for the team and the final goal is to put Ferrari back on top. »

Mattia Binotto praises maturity of Ferrari drivers

Words confirmed by Carlos Sainz immediately. “It's really important for both of us to feel that freedom to be able to attack each other, but even if that's the case, it will always be with respect for each other, without clinging, and putting Ferrari at the above our battles. Afterwards, we hope that the car is fast, it looks fast when you look at it, but we absolutely don't know where we will be in terms of hierarchy, and even less where the others will be. I hope we can fight for victories. It will be a very interesting winter pre-season.” 

Mattia Binotto, Ferrari team principal, also made his little comment, and was keen to praise the behavior of his drivers. “We actually talked about it two days ago, but also more generally regularly during the winter, he explained. It was a very interesting discussion from my point of view. I was very happy to see these two drivers act the way they did in such a transparent discussion, honestly. They showed an astonishing level of maturity. Last year they proved that they do a good job together, but it wasn't just an outward appearance, it really is. When it comes to these kinds of discussions, we can't be too delicate. And both showed a great level of maturity, and I'm happy about that. » After two complicated years, the Scuderia hopes to re-enter the race for victories, having not won since the Singapore Grand Prix in 2019 thanks to Sebastian Vettel.

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