The 2021 Formula One season had one too many surprises for the fans including the shocking turnaround at Ferrari. Charles Leclerc was then carrying the responsibility of being the number 1 driver after having defeated his championship-winning teammate, Sebastian Vettel, in 2020.

Hence, following Vettel’s bitter-sweet stint arrived Carlos Sainz as the next teammate challenge for Leclerc. Post signing, it almost seemed like the Monegasque could defeat the former McLaren driver in a rather straightforward manner only for the new recruit to stun the entire Maranello factory.

After a slow start to the season, Sainz managed to pull off a decent number of podium finishes in Monaco, Hungary, Russia, and Abu Dhabi. Subsequently, the Spaniard narrowly beat his teammate by a difference of 5.5 points.

And now, Leclerc has finally opened up about his shocking defeat to Sainz and how he is looking to react to it over the upcoming season.

Charles Leclerc sorry for losing to Sainz

As reported by Motorsport, Leclerc opened up that Ferrari is no longer holding either of the drivers back and is keen on letting the pair fight each other for positions as long as they remain clean on the track.

“We talked about it and frankly we will be free to race [with each other] in the interests of the team,” he told Gazzetta Dello Sport. “I’m sorry I lost the fight against Carlos last year, but it’s been a lesson for me. I’m turning the page now to focus on next season.

“Our approach will not change. You’re always trying to fight for the top spot and get the most out of yourself and the car.”

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Ferrari eyeing a strong 2022 F1 season

After an awful stint in 2020 and a rather average stint in 2021, Ferrari is looking to go all the way in the forthcoming season. Despite the sheer dominance of Red Bull and Mercedes, Leclerc did not shy away from acknowledging that Ferrari’s target for the 2022 season is the top step.

“Is a world championship possible? We are here to earn it. We will have the opportunity to try to win at every track,” the Monegasque said. “I really like this new Ferrari, it looks very nice. Among the vehicles that have already been introduced, ours is the most daring concept. After the work done in Maranello, it’s exciting to see the final design.”

Overall, Ferrari will be aching to know where they stand amongst the grid at the opening race weekend in Bahrain. So, are we set for a three-way fight for the championship this time around amidst the potential resurgence of the Prancing Stallion?

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