Sainz: 'I'm really starting to understand the Ferrari fan base now'

Carlos Sainz's switch to Ferrari was a big dream come true for the driver. But lately the Spaniard is really finding out what it's like to drive for the team.

If there is one name that is inextricably linked with Formula 1, it is undoubtedly Ferrari. The team have been in the sport since the beginning and once started selling lightning fast cars to finance the F1 side. As a result, the Italian team has fans all over the world.

Carlos Sainz knew that, but he just hasn't really been able to experience that for most of his time with the team.

"Ferrari has a particularly large and warm fan base, it's legendary. But when I joined the team, I unfortunately couldn't experience this because of the restrictions due to the pandemic. Now that things are getting better and the restrictions are less, I am really starting to understand it..." the driver told Esquire.

Now really enjoying the fans

Because of the coronavirus pandemic the Spaniard says he can now appreciate the fans more. After all, you only really miss something when it's gone.

"Before the pandemic we all took it for granted, as if they belonged to the game. But then the fans could only watch F1 on the TV and I really started to miss them and appreciate their importance to the sport," explained Sainz.

According to the driver, he has few moments when he experiences his fame as something negative. Constantly handing out autographs or taking pictures during a day off is not always ideal, Sainz said. "But a lot of them come up to you to say they're your fans and wish you well. The fans who really make me feel special, they encourage you to do better and better and push even harder and I thank them for that, " the Ferrari driver concluded.