Leclerc and Sainz eager to race in front of the tifosi

Thousands of tifosi will make their return to Monza to the delight of Ferrari. Last year, the Italian team did not shine in its temple with the retirements of its two drivers. This season seems different.

Two years ago, Charles Leclerc won his second victory of his F1 career in front of an ecstatic crowd. When asked if being a Ferrari driver is much more than all the others, the Monegasque driver realizes the luck of wearing the red color of his team.

« Yes, probably here more than anywhere else in the world. Clearly, Ferrari has so much support wherever we go and we can feel it, but coming to Italy, it’s just different and the amount of support we have here doesn’t come close anywhere else in the world. Even when you leave the hotel, hundreds of people are waiting for you and they are cheering. It’s so nice to see and feel so much support. It’s really very special ».

One year ago, on this same circuit, Carlos Sainz almost won his first F1 victory. But it is finally Pierre Gasly at the wheel of his AlphaTauri who achieves this feat before him. At that time, the future of the Spaniard was written in red. The driver had already signed with Ferrari. He felt the support of the tifosi while he was still a driver at McLaren. An emotion he will not forget.

« Very different for sure, yes, and very good memories from last year. I could already start to feel a bit, as I had been announced as a Ferrari driver well before driving here at Monza for McLaren. I could feel that the relationship with the tifosi was different, as if they knew I was coming to the team, and I felt extra support that year.

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Under Ferrari colors, Sainz now has a certain pressure. That of not disappointing the fans. Even though the car is not worthy of the team’s reputation, the Spaniard will give everything to delight the audience.

This year has been another step, it’s crazy. We were yesterday in the center of Milan for an event and the amount of support you get as a Ferrari driver is simply insane. I have no other word to describe it. And it’s something that I appreciate and I look forward to continuing to feel it for the rest of the weekend.

Currently third in the constructors’ standings ahead of McLaren, Ferrari will arrive in Monza with a better car than last season. But Monza’s layout is not the most ideal for the Italian team’s car. Leclerc will try to gain points during the sprint race. With the support of the tifosi, the two drivers could spring a surprise this weekend.