Carlos Sainz Jr, from Spain, driving for Ferrari, celebrates his third place on the podium at the Monaco Grand Prix on May 26, 2024. In the Formula 1 World Championship, Round 8, held in Monte Carlo, Monaco, on Race Day.
Carlos Sainz believes that Red Bull is still the favorite team to win both Formula 1 titles in 2024. However, he acknowledges that their rivals have the potential to prevent them from dominating this season. Red Bull had an exceptional season last year, winning 21 out of 22 races, becoming the team to beat. But this year, their advantage has been significantly reduced, with Ferrari securing two victories and McLaren also winning in Miami.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull driver, revealed that the team struggled in Monaco due to a long-standing weakness in handling the curbs, which was exposed now that the competition is fiercer. Nevertheless, Sainz believes that Red Bull is still the strongest team on conventional tracks. However, he is confident that Ferrari and McLaren are close behind.
Sainz states: “Based on my good judgment, I believe Red Bull should still be considered the favorite on normal tracks. However, I hope we don’t see the same level of domination as before. It will be a fierce battle with McLaren and us. I believe the three teams are at a similar level.”
He further explains: “Our recent performances on normal tracks, such as Imola and Miami, indicate that we are slightly behind McLaren by half a second and maybe one or two tenths behind Red Bull. This means that any improvement or small upgrade to our car could lead to a race win or a competitive car.”
Sainz also highlights Ferrari’s abilities on street circuits, mentioning Singapore and last year’s Monaco Grand Prix as examples. These races showcase the team’s skills on tracks that require specific abilities and strategies.
Overall, Sainz acknowledges Red Bull as the team to beat, but he is optimistic about Ferrari and McLaren’s chances of challenging them in the upcoming races.
Sainz agrees with Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur’s perspective that Red Bull’s mistakes during qualifying in Monaco demonstrate the consequences of their competitors feeling the pressure.
“Furthermore, with Red Bull in the Constructors’ just 24 points ahead, you see the result of putting them under pressure yesterday,” he added.
Max made a mistake on his second attempt in Q3, while Checo was eliminated in Q1.
“We just need to be there to show that Red Bull can also make these mistakes. Yesterday serves as a prime example.”
Although Sainz reiterates that Red Bull will be the favorite on traditional tracks, he states that his rivals have the speed to capitalize on mistakes.
“I believe Ferrari will have opportunities on this type of track,” assessed Sainz.
“I think McLaren will also have their chances, but when I refer to a standard track, let’s say Barcelona.
“Canada is quite different, but a Barcelona or any European track, which I consider to be a standard track, I still believe Red Bull will be the favorite.
“However, I don’t think they will dominate as they did before. And I believe that is positive news for the championship.
“It’s worth being within one or two tenths in qualifying, so that even if they are the favorites, they cannot make mistakes.
“That’s where both Ferrari and McLaren can take advantage, a position that no one occupied during the first race in Bahrain.”
© 2024
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