Ferrari's clutch woes: Carlos Sainz's radio outburst sparks investigation ahead of Las Vegas race
Carlos Sainz of Ferrari
Ferrari's challenges came to light during the São Paulo GP, where Carlos Sainz, facing a drop from seventh to 13th due to clutch issues, didn't mince his words over the team radio.
"I just hope we bin this clutch, as soon as we're back in Maranello," Sainz quipped, highlighting the frustrations with Ferrari's long-standing clutch problems that continue to haunt them throughout the season.
Team principal Frederic Vasseur, however, downplayed the outburst, emphasizing the team's commitment to addressing the issues. "We are struggling a little bit with the start, but it's marginal," Vasseur explained. Despite the setbacks, Sainz showcased his resilience, overtaking both Lewis Hamilton and George Russell to finish in sixth place, earning crucial points for Ferrari in the Constructors' Championship.
Vasseur assured the media that Ferrari would thoroughly investigate the faulty clutch, particularly focusing on the left gear shift paddle that Sainz reported as "sticking" during gear changes. "On the first start, he had a false start; we need to understand exactly what's happened on the first one," Vasseur stated, providing insights into the team's post-race analysis.
The São Paulo Grand Prix wasn't without its share of challenges for Ferrari, as Charles Leclerc, Sainz's teammate, crashed out on the formation lap due to an electronics failure. The failure led to the shutdown of both the engine hydraulics and power steering, compounding Ferrari's reliability troubles on a single race day.
Despite the setbacks, Ferrari's focus now shifts to the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, scheduled for the weekend of 16-18 November. The new 14-turn street circuit promises high-speed excitement, with top speeds reaching around 342 kilometres per hour on the long straight across the strip. The circuit's characteristics position it as a contender against the famed Monza for average speeds, adding anticipation to the challenges that lie ahead for Ferrari.
As the team navigates the intricacies of Formula 1, the story unfolds not just on the tracks but also in the pits, where every glitch and outburst becomes a crucial part of the narrative.
