Carlos Sainz had to change his driving style a lot to adapt to the Ferrari
Carlos Sainz reflected on his team change during the winter and explained that he appreciates this challenge, but that he had to change his driving style to adapt to his new car.
Freshly arrived in Maranello to replace Sebastian Vettel, the Spaniard had to adapt to a Ferrari that was very different from the McLaren.
« My driving style and the way I turn, the way I brake, the way I maintain speed in corners at different points and depending on the type of corner, all of this is very different from last year.
« I am obliged to push myself to open my mind and adapt as a pilot. And I really enjoy it, in fact. But it is something that I keep for my team and myself.
« Of course, the McLaren could have changed a bit too with the Mercedes engine, especially this year, they seem particularly strong on the straights, they are very, very strong in this area. But in terms of driving and balance, whether it’s at low, medium or high speed, they are completely different cars, I have to change and adapt a lot of things. In short, let’s say that I know the difference but I don’t want to tell you now what it is. »
Despite a change of car, Sainz made an impression by managing to climb to second place in the Monaco Grand Prix, driving the Prancing Horse car.
This adaptability demonstrated by the Spaniard is highlighted by his former teammate Lando Norris, who compares him to Daniel Ricciardo (Sainz’s replacement at McLaren).
« There are many differences between the two of them, but from what I have seen so far, Daniel wants a car that suits him really perhaps a little better. Carlos was very good at driving a car that wasn’t always so pleasant to drive.
This is not the first time the Spanish driver has adapted to a new car. Since his debut in Formula 1, Carlos Sainz has driven for Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren before moving to Ferrari this year.
