Carlos Sainz: “We have not done the best job”
Carlos Sainz recently discussed Ferrari's disappointing year in 2022, as well as his future ambitions. The 28-year-old Spanish driver provided an update.
After a disappointing yet promising 2022 season for Ferrari, 2023 was supposed to be the year to beat Red Bull. However, this was not the case. Underperforming, Ferrari finds itself in 4th place in the constructors’ championship. Despite two pole positions, one pole in sprint qualifying, and three podium finishes by Charles Leclerc, the team has had nothing to celebrate. Carlos Sainz has also not experienced the same success as his teammate in terms of results.
Not the desired season
With the best result being a 4th place obtained in Bahrain during the opening round, the season is far from what the Spanish driver had hoped for. Sitting in 7th place in the driver’s standings at the summer break, he had expected much more after a promising 2022 season.
« At Ferrari, we were all expecting more from the car and its performance this year. We didn’t do the best job », declared Carlos Sainz. A harsh assessment but one that no one can contradict: Ferrari has regressed between 2022 and 2023, overtaken by Mercedes and Aston Martin.
Carlos Sainz ready to assist Ferrari in its restructuring
However, the Maranello team has brought various updates to the car, which seem to be helping it make progress. If it’s not yet enough, the drivers are increasingly satisfied with the car, which is a good sign for the rest of the year. The internal work by Frédéric Vasseur also seems to be speeding up and heading in the right direction.
Carlos Sainz reaffirms his desire to stay at Ferrari and help the team in its restructuring. « Now, my goal is to help the team develop the car and go faster. This will allow me to fight for podiums and victories. And that’s why I’m here at Ferrari. »
By the way, Carlos Sainz expresses his desire to win in Formula 1. The ambitions are high for the winner of the 2022 Silverstone Grand Prix. Just like any Formula 1 driver, really.
A look at the 24 hours of Le Mans
« I realized very early on, as a junior, when I was winning, that I was very good. I want to be a world champion one day. I want to win more races. My brain only thinks about that, and I don’t even consider other possibilities. » If Carlos Sainz wants to win with Ferrari, he will have to wait a little longer before getting his chance, otherwise he will have to leave. Audi could be an exit strategy in 2026, since his father is closely connected to the German manufacturer. However, he is still a Ferrari driver until the end of 2024 and his sole goal is to win with the prancing horse, as he did in 2022.
Asked about the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Carlos Sainz responds: (e) Yes, one day. But I’m not thinking about it yet. Why? Because I am so focused on Formula 1. » The ambitions are clear, now it’s up to Ferrari and Sainz to confirm them.
