Charles Leclerc has emphatically dismissed recent reports that misrepresented his relationship with former Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz, calling out “wrong headlines” that took his comments “out of context.”
As the Monegasque prepares to share the garage with Lewis Hamilton in 2025, Sainz’s departure to Williams marks the end of a four-year partnership at Ferrari. Yet, despite on-track tensions and lingering headlines suggesting friction, Leclerc insists that his connection with Sainz remains “incredible,” both on and off the track.
Leclerc: ‘I Won’t Miss Him’ Was Misinterpreted
The controversy arose when Leclerc was quoted ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix as saying:
“It’s not like I’m going to miss him like crazy because he’ll still be 20 meters away in the paddock.”
The remark quickly spun into misleading narratives, prompting Leclerc to clarify ahead of the Abu Dhabi season finale. Addressing select media, Leclerc stated:
“I’ve seen some wrong headlines in the past few days. My words have been put a little bit out of context. Especially in the fact that I won’t miss Carlos.
“I was just saying that because he’s 20 meters away in the paddock. Honestly, I’ve had an incredible relationship with Carlos. Really, in terms of person, he’s such a good person.”
Racing Rivalry Resolved with Respect
Leclerc’s clarification comes just weeks after a heated team radio rant during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, where he accused Sainz of defying team orders and compromising his race. Frustrated, Leclerc was heard venting:
“I did my job, but being nice fks me over all the fking time.”
The incident sparked speculation about unresolved tension between the two drivers, but Leclerc was quick to contextualize such moments as the natural consequence of high-stakes competition:
“Yes, we’ve had our tensions on track sometimes, but it’s normal. At the end of the day, we are both racing for Ferrari, but we’re also racing to try and win races.
“When we are so close on track, sometimes there are things that are not going to be agreed by both parties. I think the thing I’ll remember is that every time there was this kind of thing, we always got out a bit stronger and closer together.”
A Friendship That Transcends the Track
Leclerc painted a picture of a deep and respectful relationship with Sainz, highlighting shared experiences away from the racetrack:
“We have a really, really good relationship. We also have a lot of things that we share outside the track. I’m sure that even though [Sainz] won’t be in red next year, we’ll most likely travel together to races and spend some time together.
“Our relationship is really good, so yes, I wish him the best.”
The End of an Era for Ferrari
Carlos Sainz’s departure signals a major shift for Ferrari as the team prepares to welcome seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. While Leclerc and Sainz often shared moments of tension under the pressures of competing for motorsport’s most iconic team, their partnership also delivered memorable performances and consistent results.
As Leclerc reflects on their time together, it’s clear he views their on-track rivalry and off-track camaraderie as defining elements of his Ferrari journey:
“We’ve always had a really, really good relationship. Carlos is such a good person, and I know we’ll stay close even though he’s moving on. I genuinely wish him the very best at Williams.”
Moving Forward
While Sainz prepares for a new challenge at Williams, Ferrari looks ahead to 2025 with the explosive pairing of Leclerc and Hamilton. As Leclerc strives to claim his maiden F1 title, his friendship with Sainz appears unshaken—proof that even amidst fierce competition, respect and loyalty can thrive.
The chapter may have closed for Leclerc and Sainz in Ferrari red, but their bond remains as “incredible” as ever, proving that some rivalries transcend the racetrack.
