F1 News

Carlos Sainz optimistic about Monza: 'Should try to win'

Sainz on Monza: 'Being a Ferrari driver at Monza is on a different level'

1 September 2023 at 09:25
Last update 1 September 2023 at 11:19

Ferrari go into their home race full of optimism. While Charles Leclerc previously indicated that he sees possibilities, Carlos Sainz also let it be known that he is optimistic for the Italian Grand Prix. The Spaniard is not signing up for a podium finish in advance, but even dreams of a win.

Sainz is 'ready to make history'

Speaking to Italy's Corriere dello Sport, Sainz says he will do all he can to get Ferrari the win in their home race. He begins,"Yes, I am ready to make history like in 1988." Here, the Spaniard is referring to the 1988 Italian Grand Prix, held just after the death of Enzo Ferrari. At the time, Ferrari drivers Gerhard Berger and Michele Alboreto grabbed first and second place in the race against all odds.

When Sainz was asked if he would sign for a podium finish behind Max Verstappen, he responded firmly:"No, I wouldn't sign for that. We just have to try to win. It will be difficult because we haven't driven yet, but why not? Dreaming costs nothing". In addition, the Spaniard is looking forward to the Monza atmosphere:"Being a Formula 1 driver is incredible, being a Ferrari driver is even better, but being a Ferrari driver at Monza is another level."

Sainz: 'Maximising results this season'

The one-time race winner recently indicated that expectations for Ferrari were sometimes not entirely realistic, even now he indicates that maximising a result leads to satisfaction:"In this second part of the season, I am trying to focus on myself and help the team as much as possible in the constructors' championship, finding consistency in performance and maximising what we have. There will be weekends where we fight for the podium, but sometimes not, like at Zandvoort. There I finished fifth and I was happy with that."