Sainz: World title with Ferrari is my ‘highest ambition’

Ben Johnston 11 Feb 2022 12:25 PM

Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. Silverstone July 2021. — Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc at the launch of the 2022 prototype car. Silverstone July 2021.

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz says becoming World Champion with the Italian team in Formula 1 is his “highest ambition”.

Sainz, who joined Ferrari from McLaren ahead of the 2021 season, was expected to be outperformed by Charles Leclerc. However, it was the other way around as the Spaniard outscored his team-mate over the course of the season.

Sainz scored four podium finishes during his first season with Ferrari on his way to P5 in the Drivers’ Championship. When it comes to what he wants from his time with the Italian team, it is simple.

“As [Mattia] Binotto said, we are both satisfied, we intend to continue together and this winter is an opportunity to find an agreement. We are trying. Becoming a World Champion with Ferrari is my highest ambition. I would like to renew as soon as possible,” Sainz was quoted as saying by Corriere.it.

Sainz has spent time racing for McLaren and Ferrari, who have had many an illustrious World Champion race for them in their long-standing histories, and the Spaniard pinpointed whom he would have liked to have been around with the Scuderia.

One week to go until we show you F1-75…

Here are @Charles_Leclerc and @CarlosSainz55 to explain this year's #F1 rules and regulation changes 🎥

See you on the 17th, #Tifosi 😎#essereFerrari 🔴 pic.twitter.com/5Owp5L78BC

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) February 10, 2022

“Since I have been with Ferrari I have listened to many stories about Michael Schumacher,” he said.

“He is a man I would have liked to know, to have as a companion, to understand how he could be so special.

“Every mechanic talks about him and it is nice to hear how he was able to conquer an entire group, to drag him, surrounded by esteem and affection.”

In Formula 1, it is difficult for drivers to be friends amongst each other because the rivalry can be so intense. However, Sainz has an answer to this.

“My friends are strangers to F1…it depends on what we mean by the word friendship, but I honestly think with people I like, like [Lando] Norris or Leclerc, I can be really friends when I stop racing.

“I’m biased, but I think that’s the way it is. Even thinking about personal qualities, we are similar, we have a good relationship, we try to keep the Italian flag aloft, the Ferrari name by doing our job well, which does not just mean being fast.”

And as for who might win the 2022 World Championship? Sainz said: “Excluding me? I don’t know. I say Charles for the sake of Ferrari, but I would like to say Sainz.”