Can one blame Carlos Sainz for overtaking Charles Leclerc at the British GP? Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto supports his driver and believes he did the right thing. The Maranello camp issued a strategy that was set to favor Leclerc and give him a chance at the title. However, Sainz’s unprecedented jump on his teammate changed everything.
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While Ferrari wanted “breathing space” for Leclerc, the Spanish driver thought about himself. In helping Leclerc, he would come under threat from Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez. Further, many believe that ultimately Leclerc would’ve also lost out to either one of them due to tire disadvantage.
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Binotto, backing Sainz’s move, replied to the burning question of whether the Spaniard ignored team orders. He said, “No. He had to protect himself from cars behind, and so he was also protecting our advantage. We all agreed. Without the full picture, one can feel that Carlos is not a team player, but before he gave up his position without hesitation.”
The Italian team is not exactly known for being brilliant with strategies. Famously, they lost out on Monaco GP after breaking under pressure, allowing a rival team to undercut their driver, and messing up the strategy. In Monaco, a pole winner should easily win the race, but sadly Leclerc lost out on it due to Ferrari blunders.
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Several fans believe Sainz made the right call. His pitting and acquiring new tires gave him the advantage as Leclerc basically held Perez and Hamilton off him in some ways. Notably, a possibility of neither of the Ferraris winning could’ve happened if Sainz had followed the team’s orders this time.
Carlos Sainz reveals the feeling after winning at Silverstone
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The British GP, however, was an eventful race. Fans are hailing this GP as one of the very best of this year, with many surprised by Sainz’s maiden F1 win. It did not come easy to him, as the driver had ups and downs throughout the race.
Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 2, 2022 Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr celebrates after qualifying in pole position REUTERS/Molly Darlington
In a post-race interview, he said, “I cannot describe it. It’s probably the best feeling that you can have as a racing driver to win for Ferrari in such a great place like Silverstone. With this crowd, with so many drivers also coming to me to congratulate me, feeling a lot of respect for them. It’s a very happy day in my life…”
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What do you think? Is Sainz Jr. on his path to winning many more trophies? Or did he just get lucky?
