Sainz proud of gains Ferrari have made: 'Makes racing more fun'

Carlos Sainz is very happy with the steps the Ferrari team has made compared to the race at Suzuka last year. Although the target has not yet been reached, the Spaniard can look at the development with pride.

Ferrari is now seemingly ahead of McLaren and Mercedes and have been regularly on the podium in 2024. A fine statistic for Sainz: "[It's] very satisfying. We improved the car in the places that we wanted to improve it, and Suzuka proved it. Still, in places like Suzuka, we are not as quick as the Red Bull, which is the target. But as soon as we bring a good upgrade to the car that goes in the right direction, hopefully it can get us closer," said Sainz.

It was the second podium finish in a row for Sainz, even including a win in Australia which is the season opener again in 2025. The Spaniard feels the Ferrari's performance has improved significantly: "We've improved everywhere and especially in the race pace. It also allows us to have more strategic flexibility that last year we didn't have. It allows me to go forward in the races and instead of looking in my mirrors all the time to offset myself with strategy and then overtake people, which is something that last year wasn't in the cards at any point," Sainz said.

Uncertain future

The three-time race winner does not yet have a seat for 2025. Although Lewis Hamilton will take over the Spaniard's seat, it is not yet certain if the same is true vice versa. Despite the uncertain future, Sainz is still having a great time: "So happy and makes me enjoy racing more."