They met in 2005 and, more than fifteen years later, they share competition again. The logic of time invited us to think that they were not going to cross in Formula 1, but Fernando Alonso is always there to break the rules. And, thanks to it, Carlos Sainz has been able to fulfill the dream of sharing the track with one of his great references. First from 2015 to 2018 and, already 40 years old, Alonso returned this season to show that he was not finished.
And before the return of the two-time world champion, stronger than ever with his Alpine, the Ferrari driver He would not be against sharing equipment with Fernando. In part, it would be difficult to see Sainz refusing the arrival of a rival to his box and it is that, if there is a great virtue that the whole Spanish world stands out, It is the great relationship he has always shown with his teammates, especially with Lando Norris, one of his great friends at the paddock, at McLaren.
“I get along well with any pilot. I wouldn’t mind being Fernando’s partner, but since we are in different stages of our careers and we drive in different teams, the chances of this happening are pretty slim “, says Sainz in an interview with ‘Auto Motor und Sport’, in which, he also talks about the great relationship he has since the beginning of this season with Charles Leclerc: “He’s a good guy. We have the same interests and the same goals, so you can have good conversations with him and play sports or play chess. Not only is he fast, he also shows a lot of respect for his teammates. “
With two podium finishes so far in his first year with Ferrari, Carlos Sainz admits to being “happy” after this first half of the season with the Italian brand, above all, because of the way in which, he says, he has coped with the work ahead. “The speed has been there from the beginning, but I still have to work to get everything right for a whole weekend on a regular basis. That consistency gives you the points. I hope this improves the closer I get to the team, “continues the Spaniard, coinciding with the comments made by Mattia Binotto, director of Scuderia Ferrari, at the beginning of this summer break for the Great Circus.
And it is that, Sainz assumes that in a brand of such renown, the results are what count, especially after the tough seasons that Ferrari has gone through in recent years, failing to cope with the hegemony that Mercedes imposed on the competition. Carlos arrives with the idea that things can be changed, Especially for 2022, and he knows that if the brand wanted to have his presence in the box, it is because they see potential in him to be able to win.
It does not look inferior to its rivals
Sainz notices the support of the team, but the truth is that he has never lacked motivation nor has he seen himself at a lower level or other drivers. “If you sign a contract with Ferrari, you must have done something right in your career. I always felt valued by all the teams, from Toro Rosso to Renault and McLaren, even after I left them. When the public thinks I’m in the shadows, I wonder why. Regardless of who I’ve driven against so far, be it Max, Nico, Lando or Charles, I never had the feeling that I was slower than them or that I couldn’t do something they could, “he adds.
“I have beaten everyone and I have always pushed them to the limit. I see this as a compliment. Max, Lando and Charles are among the best people on the grid, also based on my own assessment. I like the challenge of racing against them and they made me a better driver. That also gave me the confidence that I can face anyone when I came to Ferrari. If I integrate correctly into the team and configure the car correctly, I don’t have to be afraid of anyone “, Sainz ditch.
