The dynamic within Ferrari is shaping up quite nicely for the fans in 2023. As things stand, Carlos Sainz is clear of his teammate, and the Tifosi’s chosen son, Charles Leclerc. But is the Spaniard really in a league of his own when it comes to being toe-to-toe with Leclerc? Reliability, bad strategy calls, and driver errors have marred the Monegasque’s season. But if Sainz is hoping for the scales to tip in his favor at Maranello, then he’s got another thing coming.

The 28-year-old is arguably at the peak of his powers. He’s got one of the most coveted seats in F1, and he’s comfortably creating a gap between himself and a proclaimed championship contender in the shape of Leclerc. But after suffering the fate of the “Sainz will not attack you” radio snub at the Canadian GP, he has another morale hit to take.

Carlos Sainz’s delusions brutally broken amid Ferrari declaration

Sainz has come on record to register his intent behind his Ferrari career. He was quoted as saying, “For this season, a priority next winter will be to clarify my position, being understood that for me, the main objective is to win one day at Ferrari, something I have made clear many times.” But is he living in a fool’s paradise?

Ex-Ferrari manager, Peter Windsor took to his YouTube channel to explain. He said, “I think Sainz has driven better this year than he’s ever driven in his life. That’s my opinion. I don’t think he’s ever going to be as good as Charles Leclerc.”

“But I think he’s nearer to Charles now than he’s ever been because I don’t think Charles is driving at his best and I don’t think Sainz has never been better.” 

Read More: Carlos Sainz Massively Favored Over His Teammate Despite Being Dubbed Inadequate for Max Verstappen’s Mighty Threat

If this wasn’t enough, the ghosts of the past have now decided to come and haunt the Spaniard again.

Sainz relives past traumas as dreaded reality crops up once again

Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari contract is due to run out at the end of the 2024 season. While Leclerc always has the comfort of being virtually ‘irreplaceable’, his teammate doesn’t share the same privilege quite just yet. And Sainz knows this.

This is why he is keen to put pen to paper, and avoid the mishaps of the past. He was quoted by Formu1a.uno as saying, “I don’t want to lie; I don’t like starting a season knowing it’s the last year of my contract. I want to know what awaits me in the long run. I have had previous experience with Red Bull and Renault. I know that not knowing your future is not ideal for a professional driver.” [translated via Google]

Will Carlos Sainz finish ahead of Charles Leclerc in 2023?

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