F1 News
Could Leclerc and Sainz fix their problems after Barcelona?
The Spanish Grand Prix was a challenging one for Ferrari. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz finished in P5 and P6 respectively behind a Red Bull, a McLaren and two Mercedes cars. What caused even more headache for team principal Frederic Vasseur was that the two teammates made some contact in Turn 1, as Sainz tried to overtake Leclerc. The Monegasque driver explained the aftermath of a stressful weekend in Spain.
After making contact during the race and saying some fierce words after the Spanish Grand Prix, Leclerc and Sainz could sort their problems out, according to the Monegasque driver. "Not at all, just because we came back on the same plane on Sunday night. It was a matter of seeing each other. It's all good. We had a discussion, as always."
Leclerc believes that the relationship between the two of them helps overcome the problems. "I think the issue always seems huge from the outside. But then, between us, we know each other so well over so many years, that we know that after the race if there's tension, we are both in the heat of the moment and disappointed with each other. Then we speak together and all is good," he explained.
Leclerc not worried about more conflict
The six-time Grand Prix winner is not concerned about damaging the his relationship with Sainz because of tense moment during a race. "I’m not worried at all about our relationship going forward. It's just been an event in a race where it was a bit more tense, which happened in the past. Maybe not the last time. But all the other times, we've managed that by speaking to each other. Then it's all good going forward. It's just the same. So I'm not worried at all," Leclerc explained.
He added: "We've been working very, very well. I guess the question is more because of what happened at the last race. But in the past, we also had those tricky moments. These moments happen between teammates, especially when we are so close to each other. It’s all about how you deal with it afterwards, face to face. This has always been done very, very well between Carlos and myself."
The Monegasque driver also believes Ferrari will do better if there is a be good relationship between teammates. "We are professionals. We know that it's good for both of us if there's a good relationship within the team and that we work well together on track. Sometimes I'll go a bit over the limit. Sometimes Carlos will go a little bit over the limit. And then it's all about speaking to each other and resetting."