When Formula 1 settled in Spain last season, the track was deserted. Because of the corona virus, only 1000 spectators were allowed to come on race Sunday. The present shows what kind of party it would have been back then, with the comeback of the Asturian Fernando Alonso and the first season of the Madrilenian Carlos Sainz Jr. at Ferrari. Thousands of people swarmed the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Thursday: in the grandstands, in the fan zone and finally also on the track and in the pit lane, where the enthusiasm was particularly great when Mercedes rolled one of its cars out of the garage. Around 300,000 spectators are expected at this Grand Prix weekend. So where, if not here, would be the ideal place to realize Carlos Sainz’ unfulfilled dream?
Very many come because of him. Of course, many also come because of Alonso, the two-time world champion. But the 40-year-old does not compete for victories for Alpine and therefore on normal days. The expectations of Sainz, on the other hand, have increased significantly since he has been sitting in a red car – those of the public, but also his own. He is only the third Spaniard after Alfonso de Portago (1956-57) and Alonso (2010-2014) at the Scuderia. And while 2021 was a transitional year as the team recovered from a disastrous season, it has now become clear that Ferrari will be in the title duel with Red Bull and World Champion Max Verstappen. Both teams currently have the most powerful cars, they have implemented the changes in the regulations that have been in force since 2022 best. And Sainz would like to be the driver who, as a conquistador, leads the Italian triumphal procession back to splendor and glory.
In 146 races he has made it onto the podium nine times, but in all the years with Toro Rosso, Renault and McLaren he has never made it to the top. What he urgently needs to legitimize his talent and to continue the family tradition as the son of the two-time rally champion of the same name is a win. How long can an athlete be patient in a sport so focused on speed? “To do that at my home race would be the best thing ever. I think about it all the time, I keep dreaming about it,” said Sainz on Thursday, appearing calm, confident and determined: “In the same way when I was ten years old here was and dreamed of becoming a Formula 1 driver – and it happened. Then I dreamed of becoming a Ferrari driver – and it happened. And I dream of winning.”
Ferrari hasn’t officially named a number one, but Leclerc is emerging as one
The fact that Ferrari believes in the 27-year-old was shown not least by the contract extension until 2024 announced in Imola. His problem is that he has not yet found a way to take advantage of the speed of his car. “I think it’s a question of dealing with pressure. For perhaps the first time in his career, he has a car that’s fast enough to fight for the best places,” said team boss Mattia Binotto after Sainz’s failure in Imola . “He’ll just have to get used to it. But he’ll do it quickly because I know how smart he is and how well he handles pressure.”
No big friends yet: Carlos Sainz Jr. and the F1-75.
(Photo: Albert Gea/Reuters)
His teammate Charles Leclerc has no trouble with that. The Monegasse ensures that after the heated title fight between Verstappen and Hamilton last year, the best entertainment is also offered this season. With 104 points, he leads the overall standings ahead of Verstappen (85), his Red Bull colleague Sergio Perez (66), Mercedes driver George Russell (59) and Sainz (53). Ferrari has not officially named a number one, but at least Leclerc is emerging as such. Sainz had scored more points in 2021.
In five grands prix this season, Sainz has finished on the podium three times and retired twice. That not only cost me a better place in the World Championship, but also valuable laps to better understand my car and adapt my own driving style. Before his home race on Sunday (3 p.m., Sky), he analyzed that he would have to change automatic mechanisms that would not work in this car. One thing in particular gives him a huge headache.
Sainz wants to start a health debate
In Barcelona he started a debate about the health of the drivers, which he sees at risk if the so-called bouncing is not finally gotten under control. The reformed regulations also place new demands on the aerodynamics, which is reflected not least in a kind of hopping of the cars due to tearing contact pressure on the straights at top speed. Just watching can make you dizzy. Sainz described it like this: Visibility is so severely restricted that braking points can only be guessed at. He also worries about his neck and back.
“We have to consider what price a driver should pay for his health in his Formula 1 career. We have to start a debate.” That is a question he asks Formula 1 and everyone, “I think long-term”. There will come a point where the world association Fia will have to intervene: “I still have to speak to other drivers who are struggling with the same phenomenon to see what we can offer or suggest.” To a certain extent, that was taken from him on Friday during the press conferences, and his direct competitor, of all people, took it easy: “Carlos seems to be more sensitive compared to me,” said Leclerc. “I don’t struggle with it that much.” That too.
With all these challenges, Sainz finds refuge in optimism with 17 dates remaining and an upcoming upgrade. In Spain, Ferrari wants to apply the first major innovations that may help Carlos Sainz in dealing with the F1-75. If you’re already hopping to the finish line, then please be the first.
