Carlos Sainz: With a fast car I'm a 'force to be reckoned with'
- Planet Sport writer
- 10 April 2024
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz has boldly stated his capability to challenge the Formula One elite, provided he has a "winning car" at his disposal.
The Spanish driver's recent performances have showcased his prowess on the track. After securing a podium finish in Bahrain, Sainz's momentum was briefly halted due to appendicitis, which led to him missing the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix following surgery.
However, Sainz swiftly returned to form, claiming victory at the Australian Grand Prix and adding another podium finish at the Japanese GP in Suzuka, marking his third podium of the season.
The buzz surrounding Sainz intensified after his triumphant outing in Australia, where he battled through pain before clinching victory, earning praise for his tenacity and skill in one of F1's standout performances in recent memory.
"The race in Australia can help confirm what they already knew about me, because I have been in Formula 1 for 10 years and everyone knows more or less what I am capable of doing," Sainz told Spanish outlet AS in Japan.
"Obviously, I'm not going to deny the fact that if I have good results, I hope to prove to everyone and to myself that I am a winning driver; and that with a winning car I am a force to be reckoned with.
"But I'm not trying to prove it specifically for Ferrari or the other teams.
"I go out to win and also to show that when I have a car capable of fighting for a podium or a victory, I am the one who gets that podium or that victory."
Despite the accolades and speculation about potential moves to top teams like Mercedes or Red Bull, Sainz remains focused on his current journey with Ferrari. He noted that while the recognition is appreciated, he has a wealth of experience in the sport that shouldn't be overlooked.
Sainz's track record, including being the only driver to deny Red Bull victory in the past 26 races, has bolstered his reputation as a formidable contender.
This recognition was echoed by Christian Horner of Red Bull and Toto Wolff of Mercedes, both acknowledging Sainz's impressive performances and indicating that he could be in contention for a drive with their respective teams in the future.