Carlos Sainz, the Ferrari driver, remains confident that his team can hold off McLaren’s charge in the Constructors’ Championship, despite the impressive resurgence of the McLaren squad in the latter part of the 2023 Formula 1 season.
McLaren has been on an upward trajectory, making significant improvements throughout the season. While they currently occupy the fifth position in the Constructors’ Championship, their recent performances have put them in a prime position to surpass Aston Martin. With five races and two sprints remaining, McLaren could potentially bridge the 79-point gap to Ferrari.
However, Carlos Sainz, who previously drove for McLaren, believes that Ferrari’s strong early-season form will provide them with the cushion they need to maintain their position. He expressed his conviction that despite McLaren’s rapid progress, Ferrari should have enough in hand to secure their standing in the Constructors’ Championship by the end of the season.
Sainz’s optimism stems from Ferrari’s early-season performance and McLaren’s consistent growth. In the current season, Sainz has been the only non-Red Bull driver to stand on the podium, highlighting the strong form of the Ferrari team. However, a fuel system leak prevented Sainz from starting the Qatar Grand Prix, causing him and the team to lose significant points.
Reflecting on the challenging Qatar Grand Prix, Sainz mentioned that, in hindsight, it appeared to be a race where skipping it might have been a wise choice, given the difficulties faced by fellow drivers. Nevertheless, a double podium for McLaren in that race provided them with a substantial points boost in the Constructors’ standings.
While McLaren’s charge has been impressive, Carlos Sainz’s belief in Ferrari’s early-season form and their ability to fend off the competition showcases his confidence in the Scuderia’s capability to maintain their position in the 2023 Constructors’ Championship.
