Before Sunday’s race, you’d have to wind your clocks back to George Russell’s Brazilian Grand Prix win last November to see Red Bull missing the top spot. But the streets of Singapore held a different fate for the energy drink-fueled team. Cue: Carlos Sainz, the man of the hour.

Buckle up, now! If you’ve ever wondered how Carlos Sainz Jr. zooms so effortlessly around those tight bends, we might just have the answer for you. In a recent heart-to-heart on Cameron F1’s podcast, none other than Peter Windsor, the former Ferrari boss himself, spilled the beans on the secrets behind the young Sainz’s success. And guess what? It’s got a lot to do with the ‘senior’ in the house.

Windsor gushed about Carlos Sainz Sr., saying, “Senior is, he is the ultimate competitor, isn’t he? He’s super aggressive but at the same time he’s got this maturity and this ability to think of the last lap on the first lap.” Ah! So, Jr. gets that killer instinct from his father – now it all makes sense.

It seems like Sr.’s rally-driving days, especially his knack for thinking of the race’s climax right from the start, have been instrumental in molding Jr.’s driving prowess. What’s even more heartwarming? Despite the fast-paced world of Formula 1, the Sainz duo remains a close-knit unit in Madrid. As Windsor points out, “It’s not for nothing that they’re still a very closely knit family in Madrid and I think that says a lot too.”

So, the next time you see Carlos Sainz Jr. smashing it on the track, you’ll know whom to thank. After all, like father, like son, right?

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From a legacy steeped in the twists and turns of rally racing to the shimmering lights of Formula 1 circuits, the Sainz family tale is nothing short of legendary. And as the chapters unfold, a fresh narrative emerges.

Carlos Sainz & Ferrari: A match in perfect harmony?

Back-to-back poles in Monza and Singapore and a victory in the latter that snapped Red Bull’s impeccable 2023 run? You’d think Sainz would be all smiles and shouting, “Look at me now!” But, not Carlos. In typical cool-as-a-cucumber style, the Spaniard’s message to the world is: “Hey, Ferrari and I? We were already in sync.”

Sure, the Japanese Grand Prix wasn’t his best dance on the track, but who’s counting? Especially after he single-handedly brought Max Verstappen’s 10-win streak to a screeching halt.

Now, if we’re speaking contracts, Ferrari’s playing it close to their chest. With both Sainz and Charles Leclerc’s deals running out after next season, everyone’s wondering where these two speedsters will end up. And while rumors try to pair Sainz with Audi for 2026, Carlos is like that friend who assures you, “We’re just friends!” when asked about someone. “We’ve always been aligned, even before these wins,” he assures.

Post-Singapore euphoria aside, Verstappen’s comeback did not throw Sainz off at Suzuka. “Totally saw that coming!” says Carlos (as per AS). His prediction: Red Bull and those long, fast Suzuka corners are a match made in racing heaven. Wind, speed, turns–a combo that makes Ferrari wince, but Red Bull spread their wings.

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The Silver Lining? With Leclerc at P4 and Sainz at P6, Ferrari is inching closer to Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship. Only 20 points separate them now.

So, whatever’s next, one thing’s clear: Sainz and Ferrari? They’re definitely vibing.