As the Formula 1 season progresses, Charles Leclerc has shed light on the “friction” in his partnership with teammate Carlos Sainz, especially as Sainz prepares to depart Ferrari at the end of 2024 to join Williams.
Carlos Sainz’s move to Williams for the 2025 season marks the end of his tenure with Ferrari, where he has been a well-liked figure since replacing Sebastian Vettel in 2021. However, his imminent departure comes with a backdrop of rising tensions, particularly evident during the Spanish Grand Prix when a close on-track encounter highlighted underlying frictions between him and Leclerc. Sainz commented post-race about Leclerc’s assertive nature, hinting at past instances during the sprint race in China where similar tensions surfaced.
In a candid discussion with Belgian radio RTBF, Leclerc addressed these moments of “friction,” acknowledging that on-track disagreements are not unusual. “It’s normal that sometimes there is friction,” Leclerc explained. He emphasized that while adrenaline-fueled disagreements happen, the ability to communicate and resolve them after races is crucial. “Over the radio, it seems like there is always tension, but it’s not like that,” he clarified, alluding to the intense nature of competitive racing.
Sainz, speaking about their dynamic, had previously told media outlets that “little ding dongs” are an inevitable part of racing competition. Despite a season that began with victories for both drivers—Sainz in Australia and Leclerc in Monaco—Ferrari’s performance has waned, trailing behind teams like Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren. The team’s struggles have been compounded by technical difficulties, including the resurgence of the notorious bouncing effect in their cars due to recent upgrades.
While admitting the team’s “difficult situation,” Leclerc remains optimistic about turning their fortunes around. He commended their collaborative efforts and the clear objectives set by team principal Fred Vasseur. “We will do everything to get back to the front,” Leclerc asserted, expressing confidence in their strategy and his relationship with Vasseur, which he described as needing few words to maintain understanding. Their goal is to prove Ferrari’s capabilities in the second half of the season.
As Carlos Sainz prepares to transition to Williams, the dynamics within Ferrari’s ranks highlight the complexities of team relationships in the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing. While “friction” is acknowledged, both Leclerc and Sainz stress the importance of open dialogue and teamwork in navigating the challenges of competitive racing.
