Carlos Sainz Defends Red Bull As Fans Concerned Over Max Verstappen Domination
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has jumped to the defense of Red Bull as fans complain about the team's domination of F1. Admitting that he wished Ferrari was in the same position, he added that "they deserve it".
Since the 2022 season ushered in the most significant technical changes in the sport’s history with the focus now being on groud-effect aerodynamics to ensure closer racing, Red Bull has been in a league of its own. This is evidenced by the incredible lead they already possess so far this 2023 season.
Verstappen’s Stunning Comeback Highlights Red Bull’s Supremacy
Pointing to Max Verstappen’s remarkable recovery from 15th on the grid - due to a driveshaft issue in Q2 of Saturday's qualifying - to 2nd place by lap 25, Sainz acknowledged the overwhelming pace displayed by Red Bull makes it difficult for other teams to compete.
“They’re in a different league,” Sainz conceded, echoing the concerns of many teams in the paddock that Red Bull could be on track to win every race this season.
A Car Sport More Than a Driver’s Sport
“Unfortunately, this is a car sport more than drivers; we know that makes the difference more,” Sainz added. “Although Red Bull has a very strong line-up, obviously, but if a car is really good, all the other drivers can’t do much to stay in that fight.”
F1 fans and journalists echo this sentiment, with the car's performance often seen to be the deciding factor of a driver's results.
Sainz Respects Red Bull’s Dominance
Despite his concerns, the Spanish driver expressed respect for Red Bull’s potential domination, stating:
“I’ve never been a fan of being concerned with one team dominating because if they’ve done such a good job, they deserve it.” Sainz added:
“I wish it was us, and then I would get really angry if people were concerned that we are dominating in Formula 1.”
With Ferrari eager to implement upgrades later this season, we hope the Maranello squad can put up more of a fight to the likes of Red Bull, Aston Martin, and even Mercedes. With the Italian team sitting P4 in the Constructor Standings, they have plenty of work ahead of them.