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Leclerc can't imagine a crash with Sainz: 'Takes more of a beating'
- GPblog.com
At Ferrari, relations are currently good between Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, but how will it be when the two really enter a title fight? The two realize only too well that a duel between them this year could have major consequences.
Win for Leclerc
In Bahrain the form of Ferrari was confirmed during the winter test. After the Italian team had already impressed during the winter tests by covering the most kilometers, they also managed to secure pole, victory, second place and the fastest lap of the race in Bahrain.
Still, they are far from comfortable with it at Ferrari. With 23 races it is the longest season ever in Formula 1 and Red Bull Racing seemed a formidable competitor in Bahrain, were it not for the fact that both Red Bull drivers didn't finish the race. According to Sainz, however, the data showed that Red Bull is better than Ferrari in some respects and the Spaniard stressed to NOS that this year will be mainly about the development of the car.
No matter how you look at it: Ferrari has a great chance for the title this season and for the dynamic between Sainz and Leclerc it will also mean something. Now they are no longer fighting for fifth or sixth place, but instead for podiums, victories and possibly at the end the world title. So there is more at stake and that often causes more turmoil internally.
Internal struggle at Ferrari
According to Leclerc, it is only natural that the two want to beat each other, but they also know Ferrari's greater interest. "We know that this is a big, unique opportunity. Ferrari has had to wait a long time for it. If Carlos and I crash together, it will hurt a lot more than last season, when we couldn't win. I don't expect us to crash into each other. I can't imagine it," says Leclerc.
Sainz agrees with his teammate on that point. "It's a luxury problem. Of course the stakes are higher now and it increases the tension, but I think we are professional and mature enough to manage that."
For Ferrari's management, 2022 will be an interesting test on several levels in that regard. The car is good at the beginning of the year, but can the team continue to develop that car? And if it can develop that car further, will it be able to manage an internal duel? The last time Mattia Binotto experienced this it was not always smooth sailing between Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc.