F1 | Portuguese GP | Ferrari’s drivers are ready for Portimao but they want more from their car
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz claim to be content of their team but they both hope for a massive improvement during the season
Ahead of the Portugal GP, Ferrari has many expectations to fulfil and its drivers are both ready to race. Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc are happy about the way the car is improving, but they want more.
“We cannot say we are surprised about our level: we have worked a lot to reach it – the Monegasque says to the Italian broadcaster Sky – Obviously that is not enough: work is paying off and even if it’s difficult to fight against Verstappen and Hamilton, it proves that we did some steps forward. I am trustful, there is motivation in the team and I like to work with Carlos, we have prepared the season pretty well and we are all ready. But that’s not enough. We all know there is so much more to do”.
He then focused on Portimao, highlighting that they don’t know yet how Ferrari goes so well on this track but then he was claimed to express on Sprint Races. “Sprint Races? They are new, I’m happy there is something brand new to try during three weekends, to me they don’t take any importance away from Sunday, it will be interesting”.
Carlos Sainz thinks the same of the Prancing Horse situation, he feels the Italians have to take the next step and keep improving, to leave 2020’s disastrous performances in the past.
“I am still adapting to the team, Ferrari and I are still knowing each other but we want more – the Spaniard states - I am satisfied of the start. We’ll need time to catch Verstappen or Hamilton but we are working in that direction. We just have to keep our head down and work, work, work.”
Then it was his turn to talk about Sprint Races and he agrees with his teammate on this point too. “Sprint Races will be interesting. One free practise less for us? It won’t make any difference. We have had just one of one hour in Imola last year and it didn’t do any difference for us drivers.”
It will be a good chance for Ferrari to catch a podium finish in Portimao but the Italians need more consistency to redeem and be able to be the third team on the grid: McLaren is growing stronger and stronger.
Racing on the Portimão rollercoaster#essereFerrari 🔴 #PortugueseGP #Carlos55 #Charles16https://t.co/gny295dl67
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) April 28, 2021
