Sainz realistic: "Verstappen could have won"

F1 News

23 March 2022 at 18:46
Last update 23 March 2022 at 20:28
  • GPblog.com

Ferrari could not have started the season better than it did at the Bahrain Grand Prix. While Charles Leclerc grabbed the lead in the world championship by winning the race, Carlos Sainz finished second. However, the Spaniard remains sharp for the period ahead.

During the winter test days in Barcelona and Bahrain, it was already clear that Ferrari had a car with which Sainz and Leclerc could fight for the world title. This became clear during the first race because despite serious resistance from Verstappen, he did not manage to pass the Monegasque.

Sainz expects stronger Red Bull and Mercedes

Sainz had Verstappen in front of him for almost the entire race and saw the qualities that the reigning world champion showed on track. Despite the lead that Ferrari seem to have over the competition for the time being, Sainz does not think the fight is over. Indeed, according to him, Mercedes and Red Bull are coming back without a doubt.

"Mercedes will get there. Verstappen could have won," is how Sainz starts in Soymotor.com his analysis, after which he stresses that Ferrari is not the only team fighting for the world title. "It will be a triple world championship. Ferrari has to focus on improving this car, because Red Bull and Mercedes are going to improve quickly."