If we were to ask the fantasy managers for their idea, and opinion, on Carlos Sainz, the opinions would be conflicting. The Spaniard's season has for the moment been characterized by too many ups and downs, an inconstancy that cost the fantamanger who bet on him too.
The crackling start
However, the start of the season for the Madrid player was absolutely enviable. He was able to do nothing in the duel with Leclerc, but speaking in terms of Fanta, it counts for zero. Sainz made his great debut, almost making Ferrari fans dream and beyond. Second place in Bahrain and third in Jeddah, at the end of two very positive weekends from every point of view. The number 55 of the gray had stated several times that he still didn't have the right feeling with the car but the results said something else. Sainz immediately proved to be a super solid driver who offers great certainty: the points zone is always his, let alone with this F1-75.
The unexpected
The first problems for the Spaniard came from the third race. We fly to Australia. After two years due to the pandemic, we return to Albert Park and the sensations for Ferrari, following Bahrain and Jeddah, are absolutely positive. However, the weekend starts uphill for Sainz who, amid much bad luck and red flags, finds himself forced to start from ninth place, with Fernando Alonso next to him. A not very positive start, which ended in the worst possible way on Sunday, in which Sainz got covered up after very few laps, in which he chose to mount the Hard tires at the start. First zero of the year brought home, as well as his first real penalties that weigh, especially if he was deployed as captain.
The zeros that weigh
But it was still the first time, which of course can happen. For everyone, the following race, at Imola, could have been the moment of redemption. And instead, even in this circumstance we can admit: expectations are not always met. Following the only mistake made during the weekend, in qualifying, Sainz was forced to start from tenth position. But there is the advantage called Sprint, in which the Spaniard shows all his skills. Author of an incredible comeback, from tenth to fourth, in the race he will be able to start behind Sergio Perez, allowing Ferrari to prepare the race strategy in the best possible way. Coming right to the GP, Sainz is rear-ended by Ricciardo after not even one lap. Another zero. But this weighs a ton, the second in a row. “I gave him space." – he declared following his retirement. Hard to blame him. Bad luck in this case too, it all went wrong… but at FantaF1 this counts for little.
Why bet on it?
The statistics speak for themselves: out of four races, half are zero points. A super legitimate question therefore arises for all fantasy managers: is it worth betting on Sainz? The answer is: absolutely yes. Regardless of the unfortunate events, the Ferrari driver has shown what he's made of and his desire for him, and above all obsessive study, will lead him to get up again, perhaps already in Miami. The purchase price can be considered more than fair and even being able to select him as captain, with the double points rule, could prove to be an excellent strategy.
Pay attention to the mental aspect
Finally, the mental aspect should not be underestimated: Sainz wants redemption at all costs and will not accept a disappointing third race, especially after the official announcement of the renewal until 2024. Ferrari has placed its trust in Sainz, now it's the Spaniard Do not mistake. So fantamanger, put your trust in 55 Rosso and you won't regret it.
