Carlos Sainz has made an impressive start to the 2024 Formula 1 season, securing his third consecutive podium finish during the Japanese Grand Prix.
Sainz remains optimistic about Ferrari’s chances against Red Bull as the season progresses beyond its initial stages. The team has managed to secure a win within the first four races, with Sainz taking the top spot at the Australian Grand Prix the previous month.
Ferrari displayed commendable speed during the event in Melbourne, and their chances for victory were further amplified following Max Verstappen’s exit due to a brake failure. However, Verstappen bounced back in the next race in Japan, clinching victory, while Sainz managed to finish in third place.
In response to inquiries about Verstappen’s prospects for clinching the 2024 championship title early on, Sainz commented to the press: “I think they are definitely going to have an advantage in the first third of the season until we bring one or two upgrades that make us fight them more consistently.
“By that time maybe it’s a bit too late with the advantage that they might have on the championship. In the meantime, we need more Australias! Which I don’t see Red Bull, as a team, making these mistakes very often.”
Sainz made his comeback in the Australian Grand Prix after being sidelined for the second race of the season in Saudi Arabia because of appendicitis.
The Spanish driver is worried that the absence from that race might significantly impact the final standings of the year.
“A shame, because also I missed a race, which for both the team and me, it could be costly in the championship,” Sainz admitted.
“We’re competing in one race less, but at the same time, we’re going to give it our best shot. It’s my last year in Ferrari also, so nothing to lose and we will try everything to make it back.”
