The relationship between the two men never went to the stage of absolute bromance as was the case at McLaren between the Spaniard and Lando Norris, but the duo Carlos Sainz – Charles Leclerc worked particularly well for four years within of the Scuderia. There were obviously some lows on the track, with tango dances a little too tight for the hearts of the fans, like this Sunday in September 2023 in Monza where the Monegasque's incessant attacks on the Spaniard to steal his place on the podium could have ended very differently.
But the two men, through their intelligence, always knew how to explain themselves in the coldness of the engineers' room or in the director's office, whether it was Mattia Binotto or Frédéric Vasseur. Off the track, these two have built a true friendly relationship, never weighed down by potential rivalries on the track. While the Scuderia had to make the difficult choice to part ways with the Madrilenian for 2025 in order to make room for Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc paid a strong verbal tribute to the man whose work ethic he will regret in 2025.
Head full of memories for Leclerc
“I think Lando and I are probably the two best people to talk about it, because we've shared the same team as Carlos for many yearsLeclerc testified. And I can tell you that Carlos is incredibly talented. He has helped me improve in many areas, with his work ethic, his talent, his discipline, everything he brings to the table. He is an incredible teammate. And I think that if today we have taken such a step forward in one year and in these four years, it is thanks to Carlos. He was extremely quick.”
The little prince of the rock obviously regretted that his friend would not have the chance to sign for a top team for 2025, but nevertheless refused to worry about him. “In Formula 1, there are things for which you don't really have an explanation, like the chance to be in the right place at the right time and Carlos really deserves to be in a top team. But I'm sure it's only a matter of time before he comes back and joins us to fight for victories. He will bring a lot to Williams, because he is very sensitive to every little change and every little feeling that there is in the car.
Unsurprisingly, the Monegasque will only keep the positives from these four years of work and lots of fun, sometimes too. “I will definitely miss the fights, he assures. We had our moments on the track, but that was only because we were fighting so close together and because he pushed me throughout our time together. It was an absolute pleasure. And of course, sometimes in the present moment there is frustration. I look back on these moments with many positive memories. And I wouldn't be the driver I am today if he hadn't been my teammate for the last four years. So yes, it was a great pleasure and four years that I will remember in the most positive way possible. » After Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz, Charles Leclerc will now cross swords with Lewis Hamilton in Maranello. Another pair of sleeves?
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