Some predicted a fireworks display between Ferrari’s new pairing Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz ahead of the 2021 season, but right now the team seems to be in harmony, with boss Mattia Binotto praising the “team spirit” Leclerc displayed after giving way to Sainz on End of the Austrian GP.
With both Ferraris failing to reach Q3 for the Austrian Grand Prix, the team opted for split strategies for the two drivers, with Leclerc running Medium for 34 laps before switching to Hards for the remaining 37 – during Sainz took his tough starting tires all the way to the 48th lap before it crosses the finish line on Medium with 23 laps.
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That meant Sainz ran significantly faster than Leclerc in the latter part of the race – and since Leclerc had graciously let his teammate through on lap 65 to allow him to outrun Daniel Ricciardo’s McLaren, Binotto said he was delighted seen on the collaboration between his two drivers when Sainz finally claimed P5 while Leclerc took P8.
“What I would like to highlight today is the spirit that our drivers have shown as Charles did not hesitate to make way for Carlos, who was on fresher and faster tires,” said Binotto. “This way we were able to achieve the best possible result for the team. It’s the right mind and it’s the right way as we keep moving forward.
Austrian Grand Prix 2021: Sainz overtakes Leclerc and Ricciardo late
“When we finally asked Charles to swap with Carlos, he did it immediately, no discussion, as he understands the importance of the team and how important it is for the team to get the maximum points.”
The “top score” in Ferrari’s case was 14 at the Austrian Grand Prix, as rival McLaren made up even more ground in the constructors’ battle after Lando Norris finished on the podium in P3, while Ricciardo was P7.
But since Leclerc’s race was hampered by not one but two incidents with Sergio Perez – on Turns 4 and 6, and for which the Mexican received a 10-second penalty that ultimately put Sainz in 5th place – it was clear to Binotto that Ferraris The team result could have been even better at the Red Bull Ring without the intervention of Perez.
READ MORE: Leclerc says he wants to move on after clearing up with Perez over two clashes on the track in Austria
“I think Charles could have done better if it hadn’t been for his struggle to overtake Perez, but that’s part of the race,” said Binotto. “Aha [the incidents] When the stewards saw them, they were punished.
Austrian Grand Prix 2021: Furious Leclerc arrives in battle with Pérez. twice off the track
“I think it’s a shame on Charles because those two accidents punished his bottom line,” added Binotto. “I’m sure if he could have overtaken Perez and had the opportunity to do so, his final result would have been much better.”
Ferrari is now 19 points behind McLaren in fourth place in the Constructors’ Championship after scoring 28 points over McLaren’s 49 points in the season’s first triple header.
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