‘Carlos Sainz could be world champion’

It’s hard to walk two meters with him without asking for a photo. He is a Ferrari ambassador and Sky and DAZN F1 commentator. He admits that people haven’t stopped loving him since he appeared on TV in Italy. “When I arrived at the circuit this Saturday, everyone said to me: You have to win! Big big!. Tifosi is optimistic and an unconditional supporter,” he stressed. increase. Mention Marc Gené. He was looking for a place to meet his MD at Ferrari Hospitality yesterday between dozens of commitments and TV appearances. “I always dreamed of being a Formula 1 driver (driving for Minardi and BMW Williams from 1999 to 2004), but I never dreamed of wearing red. I couldn’t do it, but it’s really like a dream,” he told the newspaper in a relaxed talk during the GP at his current family’s Ferrari home.

What does being part of Ferrari mean to you?

I always dreamed of being a Formula 1 driver (and I did), but I never dreamed that one day I would wear red. is. Once you enter the world of Ferrari and understand what Ferrari is, thanks to Formula 1, thanks to the cars they play on the road, and motors, thanks to all things his sport… Ferrari is the brand So you know Ferrari is unique. It was born in motorsport and has many motorsport departments. For riders, being here is the best. Because we always have competition that other brands can’t offer.

You can also live like a Ferrarista while racing from home in Monza.

Yes, and then there is Monza living with the tifosi. It’s something you experience in Monza in a very extreme way, but it’s something you experience all over Italy.When you pass through Italy, when you fly to Bologna, when you stop at a petrol station… If you’ve seen the movie Rush, That’s exactly it. And now I’m a commentator on Italian TV and people know me better. Every day I live a super funny anecdote. That’s why I say it’s a dream I never imagined. I never imagined I would be able to experience the F1-Ferrari world.

MD was in Maranello a few days ago. It highlights the great trust people have in the team, even as Ferrari goes through difficult times with Red Bull’s dominance.

I love tifosi so much. With more people criticizing than praising Social, it’s clear his network is otherworldly, but I haven’t really found anyone this year who isn’t supporting his team. Here, upon arriving at the circuit this Saturday, everyone said to me: you have to win! big big! . I always compare myself to the Atlético Madrid fans who support me in good times and bad. On the other hand, Barça and Madrid fans are more critical and pessimistic. Ferrari stuff, no. He is very optimistic and supportive. We never noticed they didn’t support us. The fans you meet will support you unconditionally. Brutal.

It is very important for Ferrari to win at Monza. Can a win at the Italian Grand Prix this Sunday save the team’s season?

Yes indeed. In fact, at the “briefing” this Saturday morning, when we talked about “Quali”, Charles (Leclerc) said he wanted to do really well in front of the fans. I knew the importance of delivering results. I’m glad that we had a good performance this year, but at the same time it was tough. A win at Monza will certainly save your year.

Winning at Monza will always be remembered.

There is also Imola, but Monza is a bit more of a Tifosi national grand prix. This is the home GP, the ‘Temple of Speed’ and everyone remembers Ferrari winning at Monza. Most recently Charles Schumacher in 2019, where Michael Schumacher won multiple times and Alonso won too. Monza comes to the fore thanks to the podium when you see Ferrari’s epic win. There are images of podiums with giant Cavallino flags underneath…these images are associated only with Monza. Ferrari is a passion, Monza is a passion. The GP who is most passionate about Tifosi. From the heart.

How do you see Carlos Sainz at this point in the championship?

The truth is so. He got off to a difficult start, but it’s a bit like last year. He’s a rider at a very high level right now. He’s been driving very well, racing very well, scoring a lot of points and he feels comfortable in the car. It was very difficult for him at the beginning of the year because he didn’t have confidence in the car, but now he’s performing at a very high level.

Are you surprised to see him competing at Leclerc’s level for so many races after a difficult start to the season?

It was last year that surprised me. not now. “Top Driver” It was a super sign by Ferrari. I am happy that both were correct. Some people say, ‘But how do you quit what you’re doing at McLaren? no no Ferrari succeeded because they are so much better than McLaren. Not all drivers have the vision to know how to pick a team, Carlos has it, is it luck or talent, call him what you want. Moreover, he is a potential world champion. Because no one doubts that Charles is, and Carlos is on Charles’ level. His father told me years ago that he was a “super driver”. That’s true. He compares himself to one of the world’s greatest drivers, in this case Charles.

Why do you think Sainz needs to prove more than Leclerc? I hear a lot of fans saying, “Charles can be a champion” these days. And why not Carlos?

So is Carlos. Because he’s on the same level now and he was ahead of Leclerc last year. But hey, this is what happens sometimes with certain pilots. There is something to remember. That he scored more points than Charles last year…”. That’s something he has to fight for, but he’s at Ferrari and he has nothing to prove, so it’s a ‘handicap’. not. But at the level of public opinion, it’s held in high esteem and sometimes not so high. Just as there are pilots the opposite happens. Carlos has a low margin and he always has to show that he is very good, but I don’t know exactly why.

It’s always been emphasized that he works hard, but he’s also very fast.

Yes, I work hard, but I’m not even a father (laughs). Carlos is super fast in the water. He loves changing track conditions. He also adapts to new tracks very quickly, is very smart and has many things that show him to be a very talented driver. He’s at Ferrari, his future depends on him and people appreciate him.

How would you define Leclerc and Carlos?

Leclerc has a little more natural talent. Leclerc has been lucky enough to work with Vettel and Carlos and I think he learned a lot from their methods, but he uses a lot of his natural talent. Carlos has a lot of ways to go and Leclerc has taken a very big step in his weekend preparations this year. he is more organized. They look more and more alike. Leclerc has learned from Carlos and shows in the ‘briefing’ that he is better organized, but he is still a very intuitive driver and a natural talent.

The two have a good time. they have a very good relationship. Leclerc does some very nice overtaking at times, but it’s pure intuition he doesn’t think about. And Carlos does that too when he’s happy with the car. Like in France where Carlos had a great overtaking. Leclerc does it most of the time, and sometimes I think: ‘Is this the second lap overtaking? I do it when and when I have to. Carlos is a machine for scoring points because he makes very few mistakes.

How does Carlos fit into the Ferrari world?

really like. From the beginning. Of all the driver changes to other teams last year, he was one of the most adapted, worked well and felt very comfortable. Then moved to Maranello. He has already said that when he moves to Maranello, many say he will and few will. This is very much appreciated within the team. He is a much loved rider on the team because he is so present and involved.

It is also important that there are Spaniards here

Yes, I never imagined there would be another player after Fernando[Alonso]. Plus.

Sainz falls behind this Sunday and says his goal is to give the Tifosi the show.

I think he has a chance to do well. If he’s lucky and there’s a “safety car” and the group is tight, that’s very good for him. doing. Both Carlos and Charles want to give Tifosi something very good.

Dream this Sunday?

win the race. After a complicated appointment last time, a win here…and will give me a lot of relief and a lot of energy. I would love to win here, especially for the mechanics and the tifosi. I’m not just referring to the mechanics in the garage, but to the people who work at the factory, so they’re feeling proud again after a very difficult month. It will be a shot of pride and positive energy for all these people who have always supported us.

Ferrari president says Ferrari will win the title by 2026. What do you think?

Yes, at least a driver or constructor degree is required. It is possible. I really trust you. I truly believe that we can win the title in the next few years.