With Ferrari continuing to struggle on the track, their off-track operations also seem to not be operating at an optimum level. Several reports suggest a supposed rift forming between their drivers as frustrations continued to grow in the camp. Amidst their ongoing friction, the Monegasque driver gave a curious response to Motorsport Italy when asked about his thoughts on Carlos Sainz.
The problem between the two could be the result of Ferrari preferring Leclerc over his Spanish teammate. Sainz was livid with his team as they told him to stay behind Leclerc when attempting a double pit stop in Austria- a feeling he made known to his team over the radio.
Even the Australian GP saw an annoyed Sainz as even after finishing ahead of Leclerc during Qualifying the Spanish driver was at the receiving end of some unwarranted backlash by his Monegasque teammate.
Charles Leclerc carefully chooses his words when talking about Carlos Sainz.
When speaking to Motorsport Italy, the Monegasque driver made sure to screen his words when asked about his teammate and the relationship they share. The 25-year-old claimed he shared a “competitive” relationship with Sainz, something that is a crucial part of the sport.
Charles Leclerc vs. Carlos Sainz 🔥
Who's impressed you most in 2023 thus far for @ScuderiaFerrari? 👀#F1 pic.twitter.com/Xkgzk78myK
— Formula 1 (@F1) August 9, 2023
Leclerc stated, “At the same time between us there is also a lot of competitiveness, after all we are in F1 and personally I love the sport because there is competition and it’s great that it’s like that.”
Leclerc also addressed the infamous radio messages, as he defended the words of both drivers by putting them under the “competitive” umbrella. Both drivers want what’s best for the team and often get carried away if they cannot deliver on the team’s expectations.
The Sainz-Leclerc duo could split up
Amidst reports of an increasing rift between both Ferrari drivers, their future has also seen clouds of doubt fill the skies over their future. There have been rumors Sainz has agreed to a pre-contract deal with Audi, with him set to join the German outfit in 2026. Meanwhile, several reports have also suggested Ferrari has offered a five-year $198.5 million deal to Charles Leclerc.
Carlos Sainz is done being the smooth operator and crashes with Leclerc while trying to overtake him. They get out of the cars and box it out. Massive rift between the two for the rest of the season, with Carlos only speaking to Charles in Spanish. Mercedes vs Haas. Red Bull 1-2.
— André Lima Araújo 🇵🇹 (@erdna11) March 28, 2022
While no reports confirm both rumors, the rift between Ferrari’s driver stands as another fallen pillar hindering Ferrari’s construction of a bridge back to its glory.
