Ferrari’s Latest Video Proves How They’ve Come a Long Way With Leclerc and Sainz Pairing

Scuderia Ferrari are undeniably one of the greatest racing teams ever to compete in F1, falling into the pool of other legendary teams like McLaren, Williams, and Sauber. Hence, owning such a humongous history, Ferrari are evidently famous for multiple factors and statistics including 16-time constructors’ world champions.

And of course, there is also the name, Michael Schumacher, who found his form with the Reds and blasted to glory. But, on the contrary, Ferrari were infamous for overpowering one teammate over the other. Let’s reconsider Schumacher, who went on a title-spree with the team between 2000 to 2004.

Formula One F1 – Steiermark Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Styria, Austria – June 25, 2021 Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr. and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in action during practice REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

In the process, Ferrari had to toy with Rubens Barrichello in order to help the German win most of the titles. The Brazilian was ordered to give up victories, podiums, and rather played second fiddle to Schumacher. Similarly, there is the Sebastian Vettel-Kimi Raikkonen pair-up.

And again, team orders were always part of the duo’s races. Only in this case, it was mostly Raikkonen being asked to back off. But, something has changed since Carlos Sainz made his way into the team. Charles Leclerc and his new teammate have been enjoying their time together at Ferrari.

Are Ferrari finally reverting to equal treatment?

Looks like it. Heading into the season, it was Leclerc again enjoying the royal treatment, being the number 1 driver. However, as the season progressed, Sainz started to push hard as well. Since the Monegasque was then ahead of Sainz in the championship, the team could have requested Sainz to hold his position.

Interestingly, none of such team orders showed up. The two drivers raced each other hard and fair, as ultimately, Sainz finished ahead of Leclerc in the championship standings. Nobody anticipated that at any point! It was quite shocking.

This equal treatment has further helped the two drivers bond closer than ever imagined. There is hardly any distrust between the two. The latest video of Sainz and Leclerc on the famous Formula Rossa roller coaster, too, proves the same. There are smiles all around.

Title pressure the reason behind this change?

Every time Ferrari pushed after only one of their drivers, it was probably over a season where they had a shot at the driver’s championship. However, since 2020, it has been a struggle-induced phase for the Maranello outfit which has turned up as a blessing in disguise.

Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 15, 2021 Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. during a promotional photoshoot for the unveiling of the new 2022 F1 car REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge

With no title pressure, Ferrari have finally let their two drivers race freely with no constraints. Now, the only question is, will this kind of treatment remain the same forever? Well, we’ll know next season where the likelihood of Ferrari challenging the top-runners is significantly high.

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