Carlos Sainz's arguments to be the true leader of Ferrari: "He had a masterful career"

The mere fact of ending Red Bull's streak once and for all, winner of the first 14 races of the World Championship, was a success in itself for Ferrari, which celebrated Carlos Sainz's victory in Singapore as it deserved.. The chords of Ciao, Ciao, the favorite song of his mechanics, thundered again in the red garage in honor of the Spaniard, author of a fabulous weekend. Dominating since Friday, author of the pole, elected best driver of Sunday in the popular vote, Sainz presented all his arguments in Marina Bay to become the true leader of the team.

After the August holidays, Carlos has made an indisputable step forward over Charles Leclerc, who had to resign himself to a secondary role in the intricate alleys of the city-state. With the same strategy, the Monegasque lost 21 seconds at the finish line compared to the winner. An abyss that shows Sainz's state of grace.

In the last three races, since returning from vacation, he has added 50 points, 26 more than his teammate, whom he already leads in the World Championship with some comfort (142-123). Although beyond the numbers, Sainz can boast of an unbalancing factor: his ability to extract the maximum potential of the car. Just when Max Verstappen has lowered the bar and has put himself within reach, it has been him and not Leclerc, who commands the operations.

“We talked about it in the 'briefing'”

The Monegasque, as soon as the checkered flag fell, sent his congratulations by radio – Great, Carlos! – before launching into the sincere hug. For the first time in two and a half years of feverish internal pulse, Leclerc had dedicated his efforts to the greater good.. “It was something totally normal, which we talked about in the previous briefing. “I knew that my time would come to defend him, both at the beginning and later, when they already warned me that Mercedes was approaching quickly,” acknowledged the former Alfa Romeo driver..

“Since this morning, things had become very clear: the plan was for me not to fight for victory. Furthermore, at the last minute I decided to change and go out with soft ones to control George Russell during the first relay,” he explained.. According to some estimates, his last defense against the British offered nine tenths of oxygen to Sainz. A decisive factor when victory is decided by just 81 hundredths.

Likewise, Leclerc congratulated himself on the “good race management” of his team, so accustomed lately to losing their way at crucial moments.. 14 months after the last victory (Austrian GP 2022), there is no doubt that Ferrari performed up to the occasion in Singapore, handling each situation accordingly.. With the strategy and with the happy degradation of the tires. Although above the rest, of course, Sainz highlighted.

“It's great that he feels so well, because it also helps me understand my driving style a little more. Now it's up to me to catch up,” Leclerc conceded, amazed by the sensational performance of the '55' during the last rounds.. Added to his consistency in Zandvoort and the Monza podium, forged with courage, is this exhibition of mettle and mental control in Marina Bay.

For the first time since his arrival at the Great Circus in 2015, he led a race from start to finish. In fact, only Lewis Hamilton's fastest lap (1:35.867) ruined his Grand Chelem chances, the honor that distinguishes the author of a perfect weekend. After taking the checkered flag, Carlos addressed his first radio message to Frédéric Vasseur, team principal, and Riccardo Adami, track engineer: “Come on, Fred! Come on, Ricky! It's my first smooth operation with Ferrari.”.

Only 67 thousandths

Usually restrained, Sainz was exultant this time on the podium next to Vasseur, determined to empty the bottle of champagne down his back.. With his first victory as general manager, the Frenchman also showed overflowing joy during the party after the traditional photo next to the garage. “It has been a masterful performance by Carlos, always controlling the situation. Especially during the last laps, when he made sure that Lando Norris had DRS to defend himself from Russell,” analyzed the man who took over from Mattia Binotto.

The truth is that Sainz, always astute at reading the races, has been able to better adapt his driving style to the SF-23 compared to a Leclerc with notorious understeer difficulties.. Aboard that sometimes unpredictable car, Carlos has also multiplied his performance by one lap, his main Achilles heel since he landed in Maranello.. Although at the moment, after 15 races, Leclerc still dominates 8-7 on Saturdays, with a very narrow margin of 67 thousandths on average.

Now, with seven races still to go, Sainz must confirm this success to finish the World Cup ahead of Leclerc, a milestone he already achieved in 2021. Likewise, the Scuderia staff will continue to focus on second place in the Constructors' World Championship, where it now has 24 points less than Mercedes.. If Red Bull, penalized in Singapore by the new FIA directive, continues to suffer in Suzuka, Ferrari can still fight for more victories in 2023. And what is even more important: dreaming of a dominant car for the next World Cup.