In China Ferrari not only had problems in qualifying, but also in race. A scenario that had never occurred before and which affected everyone's weekend, starting from the drivers, who on several occasions gave rise to a rather close duel. Both during the Sprint that in the race the two found themselves side by side, having to fight to gain position over the other while leaving the doors wide open to the other opponents. Although Vasseur did not give much weight to these episodes, the climate between Leclerc and Sainz in China seemed more tense than usual. Even in the post-race declarations, which ended with Leclerc in P4 and Sainz in P5.
Sainz harsh on Leclerc's maneuver in China
In China, although the team managed to maximize the result given the difficulties in managing the tyres, the duel at the start did not please Carlos Sainz, who was harsh in judging his teammate's defence. Charles Leclerc would in fact have been more concerned with defending the position over the Spaniard, leaving the door open for Russell and Hulkenberg, who gained positions from this internal tussle. It is not the first time during the weekend that the two Red riders have found themselves in confrontation. Already during the Sprint Leclerc had judged Sainz's maneuver to be a little too aggressive, so much so that the two touched slightly, fortunately without consequences. At the end of the session Sainz apologized to Leclerc. Perhaps this is also why he didn't expect such a tough defense from his teammate.
Craig Slater, from Sky UK, tried to get an answer from Sainz on the alleged tension with Leclerc, this being the main topic of discussion at Ferrari, at least for the media. Sainz did not take the provocation but still provided his point of view on the brawl with Leclerc by declaring that: "I prefer not to comment. But it is obviously quite clear that this behavior cost them both two positions. It didn't help either of us."
In Miami, the next round of the championship, Ferrari hopes to resume the positive trend of the beginning of the season, and to also find a bit of serenity after this weekend. Second place in the constructors' category is at stake. An objective that the team must put ahead of the rest.
Source statements: FormulaPassion
