Sainz on Ferrari pressure during Leclerc rivalry

Carlos Sainz believes the rivalry between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton may be exaggerated by the pressures that come with racing for Ferrari. Sainz experienced this during his four seasons alongside Leclerc at the Scuderia, describing their relationship as respectful despite strong on-track battles.

The comments follow the Mexico City Grand Prix, where in-fighting between Leclerc and Hamilton cost Ferrari a potential win. Hamilton later said Leclerc raced his teammates too hard, while Leclerc was penalised for gaining an advantage off track. Sainz said that when fighting for wins there is more pressure, making drivers more selfish than when battling in the midfield.

Sainz said that the fan base and the PR were strongly polarised between him and Leclerc during their time together, and that he found this difficult.