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After Nerve-Wracking Battle in Front of 304,134 Tifosi, “Ferrari Driver Number 1” Debate Stands Settled

Published 09/05/2023, 8:45 AM EDT

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via Reuters

The fans at Monza got what they came for, a successful race for the home team, the Scuderia Ferrari. The Italian fans realistically witnessed the best result possible given the current standings on the grid. The fans were also treated to a mouthwatering display of wheel-to-wheel racing between the two Ferrari men as well. This racing action must’ve been stressful for everyone watching but the Ferrari men avoided any shameful catastrophe in front of the 300k plus Tifosi (304,134 to be precise). This racing action also settled the debate for Ferrari’s no. 1 driver according to an Italian journalist.

Carlos Sainz has often more often been subjected to team orders where he is asked to hold position behind Charles Leclerc. However, in Monza, no such team orders were communicated which allowed us to witness a heated battle between the two. Discussing this on the F1 Nation podcast Host Tom Clarkson revealed Sainz called this his best weekend.

via Imago

When Clarkson asked if he agrees with Sainz, Italian Journalist Roberto Chinchero said, “I think yes because yesterday in qualifying, first set of soft after all the free practice, Q1, and Q2, he was faster than Charles. Q3 first set of soft Charles was I think less than a tenth close to him. It’s something we have seen a lot of time during other races that the final set of tires, you see Charles is overtaking his teammate. So he was under pressure but his reaction was perfect.”

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The Italian journalist also expressed his opinion on his battle with Max Verstappen and praised the Spaniard for his conduct. He said, “I think he was watching Red Bull in the two mirrors sometimes because Max is moving behind. Everybody was watching him, I think the pressure was very high. Probably is the first weekend when he was Ferrari driver no. 1.

Sainz is rarely considered no. 1 at Ferrari but this weekend in Monza has changed that perspective. Hopefully, it’s a permanent switch, if not, his father has advised Sainz Jr. to take it up with the boss.

Carlos Sainz Sr. advises Jr. to take up arms against Ferrari to get a clear stance on his standing in the team

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The Spaniard has always been portrayed as no. 2 in the team and the team orders reflect that. However, after the race in Monza, his father, Sainz Sr. advised his son to get clarity on his team’s conduct.

via Reuters

“It’s odd. Sometimes they decide some things, and sometimes others. Carlos has to ask and understand the strategies, why sometimes they can attack each other, and other times not. I keep the third place. Now that it has happened, I prefer it to be like this, without any type of team order or anything. Deserved,” said Sainz Sr.

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Even though Sainz Jr. has disobeyed his father he definitely deserves more respect, especially after Monza.

WATCH THIS STORY | Is Carlos Sainz Looking to Move away from Ferrari?

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Written by:

Mahim Suhalka

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Mahim Suhalka is a senior F1 Author at EssentiallySports. Having written over 1000 articles, Mahim specializes in core sports coverage. Having followed the sport for a long time, his articles contain excellent analysis of the sport and he dives deeper into the technicalities of this complex sport.
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Edited by:

Aishwary Gaonkar