F1 | Method and determination, Matador Sainz already excites the Ferrari environment

There was something really intense on an emotional level in Carlos Sainz's first laps at Fiorano with Ferrari. Taking to the track with the Red at Fiorano, retracing the footsteps of illustrious predecessors (including Lauda, ​​Alonso, Vettel), experiencing this sporting weaning not as a passing stage but as a true ritual. Getting excited and emotional.

The first laps, the first day of work tasting the asphalt, the procedures and automatisms assimilated by studying like a nerd in Maranello for weeks; It is in the nature of this "young old man" to arrive prepared for the question, with an application to study like the top of the class.

Even under the eyes of John Elkann, president of Ferrari who has made absence a rule, yet freed himself from the commitments of the new Stellantis group to feel the mood of the Scuderia first-hand, probably to form a group and greet, more than anyone, the New arrival.

And Carlos responded presently, covering more than a hundred laps at the wheel of the excellent SF71H, giving the idea, also due to the enthusiasm generated in the fans (present and otherwise), of aiming to be something more than a simple "sidekick" for Charles Leclerc.

The Spaniard probably won't have the pure speed of that tightrope walker Sciarl, but it has the solidity, the “claw", the motivations to be the new Matador, following in the footsteps of mentor Alonso. Carlos transmits strength of character and determination and in his six years in F1 he has already stood out for being an unyielding fighter who does not give up in difficult moments.

Characteristic depth to which is added unequivocal driving skills, such as reading the race, consistency, reliability. And Sainz, the weight of him already being a top driver will necessarily bring him to Ferrari, it is no coincidence that he has already inflamed the few present, who shouted as he passed “Carlos, Carlos.”

Certainly not the treatment that fans in love and waiting for redemption would reserve for a mere second guide without art or role. The Spaniard won the Ferrari seat with results, impressing teams like Renault and especially McLaren, revealing that he is capable of taking a team by the hand and leading it along, through dialogue with the technicians and work on the track and out, towards great goals. Just like top drivers do. And we're talking about a class of '94, still young.

In short, the feeling is that Ferrari has hired a true leader, capable of being both a team player and relentless on the track, one who won't even give discounts to Leclerc. And deep down, perhaps, that's what Cavallino hopes for; woe in fact to rely solely and exclusively on the overflowing talent of Charles, the rebirth of the Scuderia cannot fail to pass through the technical sagacity and already high and varied experience of Sainz.

After all, Carlos has seen it all, from the Red Bull universe to the great tradition of McLaren. And it has never failed. Fast, reliable, solid and mean. “Let's go Carlos” shouted parents and children literally overlooking the Fiorano track. Some loves are born like this, unexpectedly, but never by chance.

Antonino Rendina

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