From Ferrari’s perspective, the last two Formula 1 races have been very positive. But in both Italy and Singapore it was not Charles Leclerc who saved the Reds, but Carlos Sainz. According to F1 expert Ralf Schumacher, Leclerc is slowly running out of time.
Both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have a contract with the Formula 1 racing team until the end of 2024, until recently the trend was towards one of the two drivers not being offered an extension: Carlos Sainz.
“So far it has definitely been the case that Charles Leclerc is the one who stays and Carlos Sainz may want to go new ways,” said former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher in an interview with “formel1.de”. Rumors have recently been circulating around Sainz about joining Audi.
Carlos Sainz to Audi? “Father is very active in the paddock”
According to Schumacher, Carlos Sainz senior, rally icon and Audi driver, could also play a role: “The father is very, very close to the group and very active in the paddock.”
However, the hierarchy at Ferrari has now changed. “But it now depends on how things develop. Charles Leclerc is now at a bit of a crossroads, he has to see: It’s no use being the eternal talent who is super fast but doesn’t get it done in the end,” he said the brother of Michael and uncle of Mick Schumacher.
Is Ferrari star Leclerc more talented than Sainz?
Schumacher highlighted two aspects at Ferrari in this regard: “That Carlos Sainz is currently the clear number one, for two races. And that Leclerc is currently fighting with himself and the package and that he wants to use the crowbar and has no recipe against it.”
Sainz is less talented than Leclerc, but “more level-headed,” said Schumacher. “They are both incredibly ambitious guys. Leclerc wants to make the difference with all his might and so he drives his car and then makes these mistakes. Sainz is not as blessed with talent as Leclerc, but at the moment he is stronger in terms of package because he is feels good.”
However, Ralf Schumacher believes that Charles Leclerc will be “the faster driver of the two” at the Japanese Grand Prix.