The Australian GP in Formula 1 could not have been much more disappointing from Ferrari’s point of view: Charles Leclerc had to end the race early, Carlos Sainz ended up in last place of the only twelve cars classified after a five-second penalty. The fact that the race control robbed him of a better result affected the Spaniard noticeably.
“I’m very disappointed. It’s the worst punishment I’ve seen in my life,” quotes “Sky” Carlos Sainz, who was fourth before the last restart, but caused a crash when he restarted, which ultimately caused him brought the penalty.
Even when Sainz received the decision from Ferrari via the pit radio, he couldn’t hide the fact that he had a completely different opinion. “No, that can’t be, that’s unacceptable!” Said the 28-year-old, who pleaded: “You have to wait until the end of the race and listen to me. Please, please, please.”
Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur also criticizes the fact that his driver wasn’t even heard: “The penalty is very harsh and the fact that you didn’t even take five minutes to discuss it with Carlos is hard to accept,” Vasseur took position, but then reflected on the positive aspects of the race. “We came back well after Jeddah. The pace was there, the consistency was there and we have to build on that.”
Formula 1: Dark clouds at Ferrari
Regarding a possible protest, Vasseur was rather reluctant: “First of all, we have to talk to the stewards. In the paddock there are 50 percent of the people who say it’s a tough decision, the others say it’s ok. Nevertheless, it would be good to take five minutes and discuss it all, discuss it.”
In Maranello, however, some work is likely to be necessary to brighten the mood again.
“Another race without points, which is very frustrating for us – really the worst start to the season,” is the disappointed conclusion of Sainz’s teammate Charles Leclerc.
In the World Championship standings, Sainz is only fifth after three races, and Leclerc is only 10th.