Ferrari racer Charles Leclerc admits he is not worried about the future of his teammate, Carlos Sainz, who will leave the Formula 1 team in 2025.
Meanwhile, Sainz, who just won the Australian GP, will leave the Italian team because his seat will be taken by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. This means he doesn’t have a new team next season.
“I think everyone knows Carlos’ value in the paddock at the moment,” said Leclerc, quoted from the official Formula 1 website, Sunday (31/3).
“He is one of the highest rated drivers in the paddock and he is very strong every time he is in a Formula 1 car. He has shown that many times. So, in my opinion, he cannot be underestimated because of that,” he added.
AFP/Glenn Nicholls—Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc
After starting his season with a fine podium finish in Bahrain, Sainz missed the next round in Saudi Arabia due to appendicitis and surgery.
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However, two weeks later, Sainz returned to competing at the front and won the Australian GP in Melbourne, just ahead of Leclerc and his former teammate, Lando Norris (McLaren).
The Spaniard is also fourth in the drivers’ standings after the opening three series, and only 11 points adrift of standings leader Max Verstappen (Red Bull).
Furthermore, Leclerc admitted that he was sure that Sainz was talking to a number of racing team leaders to determine the future of his career in premier class car racing.
Also read: Ferrari Dominates Abu Dhabi Practice Session: Fastest Leclerc, Sainz Suffers Accident
“I have said many times that I am not too worried about his future, because I am sure that many team principals have spoken to him! I am sure he will have many opportunities. He just has to make the best choice for his career,” said the Monaco racer.
On the other hand, Norris added that there is no reason for anyone to think he is being underestimated at the moment, including Sainz with his brilliant performance.
“I think for people who know him, know what he’s capable of, know his level of effort, his approach and his dedication to wanting to be one of the best, which is exactly what he’s proven over the last few weeks,” said Norris.
“In my opinion, throughout this year, he has proven to show improvement from what he achieved last year,” he concluded. (Ant/Z-1)
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