Not Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton! Carlos Sainz Names the Best Qualifier on the F1 Grid

When Ferrari initially announced that Carlos Sainz would be lining up alongside Charles Leclerc, there were high anticipations of a rivalry growing out of the duo.

However, both the Ferrari drivers proved such predictions to be wrong, as they managed to develop a rather healthy relationship.

Amidst the rising bromance between the duo, the new entrant, Sainz, put forth a rather strong claim on his Monegasque teammate.

The Spaniard opined Leclerc is one of the greatest drivers on the grid at the moment. What’s more, he also went on to hail Leclerc’s incredibly consistent qualifying performances.

What did Carlos Sainz say?

Speaking to BBC, Sainz reckoned that his teammate is the best qualifier on the present F1 grid. “If you want to test your qualifying speed against anyone, it is against Charles Leclerc,” the newly recruited Ferrari driver said.

“I think he is the best qualifier on the grid. He is one of the greatest if not the greatest talent in Formula 1 now. And I am actually getting to learn now why he is performing at such a high level.”

Leclerc has been leading his way to pole positions over the past couple of race weekends, at Monaco and later at Baku.

Considering how dominant Ferrari’s one-lap pace has been over this season, there is no denying that the Maranello-based outfit are the favorites going into the race weekend in Le Castellet as well.

Read More: Everything There is to Know About Charles Leclerc’s Family: His Late Father and Racer Brother

Leclerc has a very good work ethic: Sainz

The former McLaren driver reckoned Leclerc is quite exceptional at team building. Furthermore, he revealed that his Ferrari teammate has a significant number of strengths that are propelling him to the top of the charts.

“It is not only speed. He also has a very good work ethic, he is very good at team building. He has a lot of strengths that make him such a strong driver,” Sainz said.

“I am loving the challenge, to be honest. Because I know there is no one better than him probably as a single lap with a Ferrari Formula 1 car.”

Overall, Ferrari will be looking to continue their strong run of form at Circuit Paul Ricard as well. However, what’s concerning is that despite laying their dominion on Saturdays, Ferrari haven’t been able to show a similar level of performance during the races.

Hence, with odds falling against Ferrari, can the Reds manage to keep their rivals, McLaren, AlphaTauri, and Aston Martin at bay in France?

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