Ferrari’s Team Principal, Frederic Vasseur, has shed light on the factors behind Carlos Sainz’s remarkable resurgence in the second half of the 2023 Formula 1 season.
Sainz, who has often played second fiddle to his teammate Charles Leclerc, has exhibited outstanding performance at recent races, including Zandvoort and Monza, and has been the frontrunner throughout the Singapore Grand Prix weekend.
Vasseur, in conversation with Sky Sports, offered insights into Sainz’s newfound form, stating, “In the group between P2 and P10, for one or two tenths you can move from the top to the bottom.
“The extra high confidence after Monza is helping us, and from the beginning of the weekend, we are there with Carlos, who was always at the top of the field.
Want to work in Formula 1? Browse the latest F1 job vacancies
“From this, you are building up the pace and the confidence throughout the weekend.”
Vasseur emphasised how Sainz had “stepped up” following his podium finish at Monza, highlighting the importance of the Spaniard’s growing confidence in Ferrari’s SF-23 car.
“The significant difference for Carlos is that, if you compare the first part of the season to after Monza, it’s that he is into the pace from the first lap in FP1,” Vasseur noted.
“Whereas he was struggling a bit more at the beginning of the season and sometimes had to use an extra set of tires in Q1.
“Since Monza, he is there from FP1, and I think he did a very good job with the preparation of the weekend.”
READ: Sebastian Vettel to return to Formula 1 in 2024?
Sainz’s ability to consistently find the right rhythm early in the weekend has undoubtedly contributed to his recent success.
His strong showings at Zandvoort and Monza, where he outperformed Leclerc, marked a turning point in his season.
This newfound confidence and his seamless integration into the Ferrari team have been key elements in his resurgence.