Carlos Sainz is looking forward to starting the coming season after what he called a very gratifying 2021 season, in which he achieved the best P5 of his career in the overall standings. And with Ferrari hoping they are on their way back to their best form, the Spaniard added that he is now ready to fight for a championship if the chance presents itself.
Sainz finished last season with a podium finish in Abu Dhabi after finishing third in Russia and Hungary and second in Monaco. He claimed that the Ferrari experience made him so confident that if the Scuderia can take on a championship challenge, he will be up to the task.
READ MORE: Ferrari will start talks with Sainz about a contract extension after 2022
“Yes, 100%,” replied Sainz at the end of 2021 when asked whether he would be ready for a title fight in 2022. “Especially … having the right trust in the team to know that I’m ready for whatever comes next year. That combined with the amount of hard work we put into the 2022 project got me into the right mindset … “
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021: “Smooth Operator” Sainz back on the podium in Abu Dhabi
The 27-year-old added that 2021, his first year at Ferrari, was a season he enjoyed and that put him in a positive mood for this winter break and the hard work that lies ahead.
READ MORE: Leclerc reveals its biggest improvement of last season – and expects a “challenging” adaptation to 2022 cars
“I really enjoyed it. I think it’s one of my favorite seasons in Formula 1 when it comes to just enjoying Formula 1 and being part of the sport, ”he continued. “It was pretty hectic, a lot of races, but also a lot of good times. I managed to enjoy myself; At the same time, I managed to improve over the course of the year.
“I feel like [I finished] The season was much stronger than I started it, so there is this important development in the team. I have also seen changes within the team that have gone in the right direction. So honestly, the feeling goes in [2022] is very positive and I think we will have a good moment and a good dynamic. “
Sainz took four podiums in the course of 2021, including second place in Monaco
The former McLaren, Renault and Toro Rosso racing driver also rejected any suggestion that driving would add extra pressure for Ferrari. Rather, Sainz said he “has a dream” as part of the Maranello squad, which has high hopes for the season ahead.
“It was pretty easy for me to keep reminding myself that I was making a dream come true: to drive for the best Formula 1 team and the most historic Formula 1 team, and that dream has come true for me since I was a child to drive for Ferrari.
READ MORE: Norris explains why 2021 was his best year in Formula 1 – and how the Ferrari battle sharpened focus for 2022
“And when I remember things like that, I always go into the weekend excited, always full of energy, always trying to learn, trying to improve, to make sure that there is ever a chance to fight for the world championship with Ferrari be as prepared and ready as possible.
“And that gave me a good balance; [in 2021] it has enabled me to take another small step as a driver and end the season on a happy note and now ready for everything that comes in 2022, ”he concluded.
