La RedazioneCarlos Sainz Jr. has emerged as the dominant force within the Ferrari team, outperforming his teammate Charles Leclerc in recent races. With 142 points compared to Leclerc’s 123, Sainz has also secured one victory and two pole positions, while Leclerc has yet to win a race but has achieved two pole positions. Although these statistics may not hold much significance on their own, they do highlight Sainz’s growing confidence and skill with the SF-23 car.
At the recent Singapore Grand Prix, Sainz took advantage of a rare misstep by the usually dominant Red Bull team. His victory, along with a pole position in qualifying, sparked a debate about the internal battle for supremacy within Ferrari. While the numbers may be cold and objective, it is clear that Sainz has gained an advantage over Leclerc. However, it is important to note that this does not necessarily indicate a complete reversal of the team’s hierarchy.
Sainz’s triumph in Singapore brought him into the spotlight, both literally under the circuit’s floodlights and metaphorically as the center of attention. The fact that Ferrari’s CEO, Benedetto Vigna, witnessed the victory added further significance to the achievement. While the win may not have altered the standings at the top of the championship, with Max Verstappen and Red Bull still out of reach, it did bring Ferrari within 24 points of Mercedes in the battle for second place in the constructors’ championship.
Sainz has demonstrated his ability to lead the team in recent times. When asked about Red Bull’s seemingly unbeatable performance, he outlined a strategy focused on continuous improvement and putting pressure on their rivals. This approach was executed to perfection in Singapore.
Sainz’s strong connection with the SF-23 car has been instrumental in his success. Team principal Fred Vasseur praised his speed from the first practice session, highlighting the positive impact that both Sainz and Leclerc have on the team’s overall performance throughout the race weekend. The improved tire management and race pace demonstrated by Ferrari in Singapore, compared to McLaren and Mercedes, further solidified Sainz’s position as a key driver for the team.
As the championship moves to Suzuka, a completely different track, the true potential of the SF-23’s setup will be tested. Tire management has been a weakness for Ferrari this season, and it remains to be seen how well they have addressed this issue. Nevertheless, Sainz’s flawless execution of his race strategy in Singapore has proven his ability to seize opportunities when they arise.
Both at Monza and Singapore, Sainz displayed a determined mindset, refusing to be overshadowed by Leclerc. He outqualified his teammate for the first time at Ferrari’s home circuit and successfully fended off the Red Bull drivers until his car and tires allowed. In the final stages of the race, he faced a fierce challenge from Leclerc, who was determined not to let him claim the podium spot in front of the Ferrari fans. Sainz, however, held his ground and emerged victorious from the battle.
Overall, Sainz’s recent performances have solidified his position within the Ferrari team. While the internal rivalry with Leclerc continues, it is clear that Sainz is currently the stronger contender. As the championship progresses, it will be interesting to see how this dynamic evolves and whether Sainz can continue to outshine his teammate.
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