The recent Spanish Grand Prix was not short of drama, especially within the Ferrari camp.
- Carlos Sainz expressed his frustration over teammate Charles Leclerc’s frequent post-race complaints.
- Sainz and Leclerc made contact during the race, affecting Leclerc’s front wing and strategy.
- Despite the clash, Leclerc finished ahead of Sainz due to a different tire strategy.
- Sainz believes Leclerc’s complaints are becoming a habit that needs addressing.
In the high-octane world of Formula 1, every move on the track is scrutinized, and the Spanish Grand Prix was no exception for Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. The two made contact early in the race when Sainz attempted an overtaking maneuver. This incident, as per Leclerc, left him playing catch-up due to damage to his front wing. However, it was not just the damage but the aftermath of the race that caught the attention of many.
Carlos Sainz did not hold back when discussing his teammate’s post-race reactions. Speaking to Sky F1, he mentioned that Leclerc seems to have a penchant for finding something to criticize after the races. Sainz highlighted that Leclerc ended the race ahead despite the contact, thanks to his strategic call to switch to soft tires later in the race. Yet, Leclerc’s comments suggested the initial clash put them at a disadvantage.
Leclerc was quick to explain his side, noting they had discussed tire management before the race, especially around Turn 14. He maintained that the contact with Sainz, who overtook him by using the escape road, disrupted their race strategy and caused minor front wing damage, which, according to him, made a significant difference in their race performance.
Sainz, conversely, believed he took the necessary steps to push forward by acting aggressively. He admitted that his strategy didn’t pay off as anticipated, but he found his teammate’s repeated criticisms somewhat unjust, given the overall race outcomes. For Sainz, the focus was on outpacing Mercedes drivers, including George Russell, rather than getting entangled in intra-team disputes.
Amid this exchange of words, Sainz’s remark that this wasn’t the first time Leclerc has raised concerns post-race added another layer to their competitive dynamic. This ongoing saga within Ferrari implies a need for clear communication and team harmony as they face rival teams in the championship battle.
The Ferrari camp needs to find a balance between competitiveness and unity to strengthen their position in the races ahead.
