Carlos Sainz Jr, driving for Ferrari, expressed caution about the team’s chances of replicating their competitiveness in Australia until significant upgrades are made to their 2024 Formula 1 car. Ferrari had shown promise in the first two rounds of the championship, with Sainz and Charles Leclerc both achieving third-place finishes. This momentum continued at the Australian Grand Prix, where Ferrari posed a serious challenge to Red Bull. Despite Max Verstappen’s pole position, he retired early due to a brake issue, allowing Sainz to lead a Ferrari 1-2 finish. However, Sainz acknowledges that further victories may be difficult to achieve until substantial developments are implemented.
Sainz stated, “Our car performed exceptionally well this weekend. However, maintaining that level of performance at every track will be challenging until we close the gap we observed in Bahrain and Jeddah with an upgrade. Nevertheless, right from the start in Australia, it felt like a car capable of winning races. Even though Red Bull was also fast and secured pole position, their time in qualifying was within our reach. There will be circuits where we excel, as we did last year. Additionally, this year our race pace seems to be better even on tracks where we traditionally struggle. With a strong development program, I hope we can challenge Red Bull more frequently.”
Sergio Perez of Red Bull had suggested that even with Verstappen in a fully functioning car, Ferrari would have been unstoppable. Sainz believes that Ferrari’s impressive practice times and Red Bull’s difficulties during race runs indicate that he could have fought for the victory regardless. He explained, “I felt like I could keep up with him on the first lap and attempt to take advantage of the DRS, as it is particularly effective here. Then, on the second lap, he lost control of the car at Turn 3, providing me with an opportunity to get closer and attempt an overtake. Once he was behind me, he seemed to struggle with the brakes, which ultimately ended his race. It’s a shame because I think we would have had a great battle for first place today. Nevertheless, I’m happy to take the win. He has had plenty of victories.”
Ferrari plans to introduce a significant upgrade package at the start of the European season in Imola. However, there are rumors suggesting that they may expedite these plans and bring some parts to the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka.