Charles Leclerc expressed confidence after Sunday's win in Australia that “many team principals” are “definitely” talking to Carlos Sainz about driving in 2025.
Sainz himself said that his contract with Ferrari was not renewed and he will be replaced by Lewis Hamilton next season, and that he currently has “no job”, but since there are many uncontracted seats after the end of the year, he will move elsewhere. There's a chance.
Charles Leclerc: 'Many team principals' have told Carlos Sainz 'for sure'
It marks a remarkable comeback as Sainz stands on the top tier of Albert Park after recovering from an appendectomy just two weeks ago. That is especially because the Spanish driver admitted that he had been on bed rest for more than a week and had not been able to maintain the fitness regime required for exercise. F1 driver.
He remained unperturbed throughout the Australian Grand Prix, taking the lead from Max Verstappen and holding on to it, standing on the top step of the podium for his third career win.
Given that he is the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race since mid-2022 and currently has no seat for next season, his future could be one of the most discussed topics of the year going forward. There is sex.
Asked if Sainz is “underrated” in the F1 world, his current and former team-mates both deny that is the case, and Leclerc believes his phone has been busy lately. ing.
“I think everyone in the paddock knows Carlos' value,” Leclerc said.
“He's one of the most highly rated drivers in the paddock, he's been very strong every time he's been in an F1 car and he's shown that time and time again. So I don't think he's underrated in that respect. do not have.
“I think everyone knows the value of Carlos, so I've said many times that I'm not too worried about his future, because I'm sure so many team principals are. Because there are…he doesn’t say so, but they sure are talking to him!
“And I'm sure he has a lot of opportunities and he's going to have to make the best choice for his career.”
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Lando Norris, who was sitting alongside the Ferrari drivers at the post-race press conference, added: “To be honest, I think Charles said it well. There's no reason for anyone to think he's underrated.
“For those who know him, who know his abilities, who know his level of effort, his approach and dedication to wanting to be one of the best, this very day and the last few weeks… I think that's what he has proven.
“I think there are probably a lot of drivers who wouldn't have worked as hard or put in as much time and effort to recover and try to get back into a race car, but that's just one example. I think.
“But for those who know his abilities, you would never say that he is underrated. Of course, results are always the important point, and outsiders can easily tell from what they see on TV. Judging things. But when you work with him and you know his abilities and things go well, they go very well and he performs like he did this weekend. .
“And I would say throughout the year he's probably proven to be a step up from what he was last year. Yeah, you'd be foolish to underestimate him.”
Sainz himself smiled when he sat with the pair, and when asked for his own opinion added: Here I think I agree with her two favorite teammates.
“There are some kind words, and I agree with them. Those who know me, those who have shared a team with me, those who have worked with me, I don't feel undervalued by people who know about the sport.
“And I don't care if other people who maybe don't have the insight and don't know much about this sport want to underestimate me.
“Honestly, I don't care, but I care about the people who know this sport well, my teammates, the people who have seen my stats, seen my work, seen my speed. 'That's what I care about.' And I don't feel undervalued by them. ”
Read next: Fred Vasseur cuts off Carlos Sainz speech as Spanish media slams resignation
