Sainz feels comfortable at Ferrari but 'not yet the old Carlos'

For Carlos Sainz the switch from McLaren to Ferrari has been a very difficult one. He had spent several seasons at McLaren, and achieved multiple podiums, wheareas Ferrari was in a dip during 2020. However, in 2021 the Italians have repaired the damage and look set to fight for P3 in the championship with McLaren.

For Sainz, that will be a fight against his old employer, although it will take some time for the Spaniard to get up to speed. "I spent a lot of time at the factory. I'm not yet anywhere near the Carlos I was at McLaren and the team knows that. I do know sometimes to show the speed I have in me, like during qualifying in Bahrain or in moments during the race in Imola," Sainz explained in conversation with Formula1.com.

Stronger throughout the season

However, the speed throughout the race is not there yet and that was reflected in Imola, where Sainz made some mistakes on a drying track. "These are moments where things are going really well and now I just need to keep working, gaining experience and that will make me stronger."

Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris eventually battled it out for P3 in the race, but Sainz is holding out hope that in a few races he can get into that fight. "The podium wasn't far away in Imola, even from the eleventh starting spot. The speed gives hope. On a wet track I was confident and even on a dry track I could keep up with Charles and Lando. We are really pushing each other."