Ferrari pounced on Sainz before the start of last season as a replacement for the outgoing four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel and announced the Spaniard’s commitment for 2021 in May.
But when Sainz McLaren led the team to third place in the constructors ‘championship in his last season, Ferrari experienced an enormous loss of form and slipped to sixth place in the constructors’ championship.
This led to suggestions that Sainz might regret joining Ferrari given the team’s regression and the difficulty of competing with McLaren through 2020.
Sainz acknowledged that the constant suggestions he might regret moving had become frustrating and based on assumptions made too soon.
“It was certainly a bit annoying because everyone was suggesting that Ferrari would be that bad in 2021, and you never know in Formula 1,” Sainz told Autosport.
“[Ferrari] Of course, stepped backwards in 2020, and they were the first to admit that and were very self-critical. But people just believed that 2021 was going to be a fight too.
“I think 2021 with a two-year deal with Ferrari and 2022 is a big change in regulations, a lot less important than people think.
“Even if Ferrari flips its shape and is great in 2021, you never know. People have already hinted that 2020 was terrible and 2021 will be just as terrible.
“[It was] annoying at the time, but I kept my head cool. I never said anything or anything that I regret. I guess [I’m] happy about it.”
Despite its struggles, Ferrari ended the year with three podiums – one more than McLaren – and enjoyed solid form in the final European races of the season.
Sainz said Ferrari’s form rebound is a decent confidence boost ahead of his 2021 move.
“[It looks] good without being able to drive the car and know what actually changed or something, “said Sainz.
“It just looks a little better for them and I’m happy to see that they move forward.
“I’ve always said that if there is a team that can quickly turn things around in Formula 1, then for me it is Ferrari.
“Of course Mercedes [can]but Ferrari more than anyone because of its history and the people and resources they have. I am pleased that this is starting. “
Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto has previously said a top three finish in next year’s constructors’ championship is the “minimum goal” but acknowledged that it would be challenging given the limitations of the token system when updating the car .
Did you miss our previous article...
https://formulaone.news/ferrari/albon-recalls-terrifying-hamilton-f1-memories-at-the-red-bull-ring
