The 2023 Italian GP served up some incredible racing action for the fans throughout. Perhaps the most entertaining, except for the Ferrari pit wall, was the fight for the last podium place between Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. Leclerc and Sainz battled it out till the very end. Eventually, the Spaniard managed to hold the lead after a nerve-racking battle. This scenario could’ve turned ugly, with both Ferrari men crashing out of the race. A team order in such a scenario would’ve been the logical way to go. However, no such communication came! A scenario that Sainz refuses to question despite the incidents in the recent past.

Sainz has been given team orders on multiple occasions throughout this season and last to stay put behind Leclerc. However, that was not the case in Monza and Leclerc was allowed to battle Sainz, which could’ve hampered either of their race. This scenario perplexed Sainz Sr. as he questioned the Ferrari boss’s whims, allowing the drivers to race on some occasions and not on others. Sainz Sr. suggested his son take up this matter with Frederic Vasseur.

However, Sainz Jr. disobeyed his father and revealed his stance on the scenario as quoted by Formula Passion.

“I would have understood both decisions,” explained Sainz regarding the decision of the Ferrari wall to leave the drivers free to race. “If they had given team orders, I would have understood.” (Translated via Google)

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Sainz Jr. did not mind racing against his teammate and winning his podium fair and square. In fact, the Ferrari Spaniard looked forward to this scenario and not just against his teammate.

Carlos Sainz reveals his satisfaction with the racing action during the Italian GP

The Spaniard was always set to battle it out as he secured pole position in the race. He had the challenge of Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, and his teammate behind him, ready for the race in Monza. As per his comments, Sainz was always prepared for a feisty battle during the race. Perhaps not the final outcome, but the racing action throughout was extremely satisfying for him.

Sainz during the post-race interviews said, “There was always going to be a bit of a fight, a bit of a battle. In the end, we kept it clean. There were a couple of nice moves here and there, tight battles. But I think today, honestly, I enjoyed battling Max, battling Checo, battling Charles. I think it was a good day for F1. As you said, a good show. And I just did everything I could to stay in front and it worked.”

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Not many drivers would make such statements after finishing P3 in a race in which they started from the pole position. However, realistically speaking, a P3 behind the two Red Bulls is a positive result for Ferrari and Sainz Jr. will take it.