The 2022 season start has been more than underwhelming for Ferrari. Both drivers, Charles Leclerc, and Carlos Sainz, are yet to secure a podium in the first three races of the season.
On the other hand, while Red Bull is marching towards yet another title success, Mercedes and Aston Martin have also tasted the podium success. So, such a poor show by Ferrari wouldn’t be a good look on them while their rivals are doing better.
Thus, Ferrari is touted to make some radical changes as the status quo isn’t helping their resurgence in the championship. And as per the latest reports, Sainz could be the first scapegoat.
When it’s finally race week but you are a Mercedes or Ferrari fanpic.twitter.com/0CSkRCuOS9
— Stefanie (@fastpitstop) April 24, 2023
Ferrari is frustrated with Carlos Sainz
With the abysmal performances by the Ferrari duo, a Spanish outlet El Nacional, has claimed that the Maranello-based team is getting frustrated with Sainz. The building up anger from the sub par performances can propel the Italian team to force out the Spaniard from his role.
Though, Sainz in his first three races have done considerably better than Leclerc. In the three races, he has amassed 20 points in comparison to six points by the Monegasque. Though, unlike, Leclerc, Sainz have completed all the races.
Therefore, there is no end result by the 28-year-old. And having only 26 points from the first three races isn’t something Ferrari would be fancying, as it amounts to worst start since 2009 by the most successful F1 team.
Lando Norris getting closer to Ferrari
Recently, Red Bull chief Helmut Marko claimed Leclerc could jump to Mercedes if Lewis Hamilton retires at the end of the seaosn. Considering, the 25-year-old’s contract is running out by the end of the next year, he could opt to change his side, as his prospects with Ferrari aren’t getting any better.
Meanwhile, Marko has even claimed that Leclerc might have a performative clause in his contract and can null his commitment with Ferrari to choose the Silver Arrows. With these speculpations, a counter report have emerged that Lando Norris is Ferrari’s possible target.
The young British driver has continously proven his worth in F1. So, he is seen as a fitting replacement of Leclerc. But just in case the latter doesn’t leave Maranello, Ferrari can axe Sainz for Norris. So could end up doing either reunification with a best friend or punch a betrayal, if Fred vasseur knocks the McLaren driver’s door.