Mario Andretti expresses optimism for Ferrari’s future, praising their strategic improvements and tire management, which he believes set the stage for more victories in the 2024 season.
Andretti asserts Carlos Sainz matches Charles Leclerc’s skill following his Australian GP victory. Amidst uncertainties, Sainz’s performance shines, signaling a robust challenge for the championship, despite Ferrari’s unexpected lineup changes.
Mario Andretti believes Carlos Sainz is on par with his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc following his victory at the Australian Grand Prix.
Sainz was dealt a significant blow ahead of the 2024 season when Ferrari announced the signing of Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes, leaving the Spaniard currently without a seat for next year.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Sainz put in a breathtaking performance to win in Melbourne last weekend – just two weeks after missing the Saudi Arabian GP due to appendicitis.
His latest win, following his triumph in Singapore last year, means Sainz remains the only non-Red Bull driver to win a race since Russell’s victory in Brazil in 2022.
And the American, a former Ferrari driver crowned World Champion in 1978, was impressed with the team’s performance in Australia despite Max Verstappen’s early retirement.
“I watched the race, fantastic. Congratulations to Ferrari. I’m always happy to see a red victory, even more so a one-two finish like in Australia.”
“That win wasn’t handed to them, even though Verstappen dropped out of the race immediately.”
“In particular, I note that Sainz had a good pace from the start and raced beautifully.”
When asked if he was surprised that Sainz, and not Leclerc, secured Ferrari’s recent victories, Andretti replied, “Not at all.”
“I’ve always said that Carlos and Charles are drivers capable of winning races and even a championship.”
“Both are worthy of winning a World Championship, we’ve seen it and continue to see it.”
Having been impressed by Ferrari’s improvements in tyre management and strategy, Andretti asserts that the Scuderia will see more success in 2024.
“Absolutely yes, Ferrari is approaching the point where it can aim for victories more often.”
“The victory in Australia was well-constructed from the start. It will be interesting to follow the rest of the season, but I’ve seen good signs.”
“This time, they did everything right, with the tyres and also with the strategies, two weak points in the past.”
“Such results are real, tangible. It wasn’t by chance: with the pace during free practice and in qualifying, Ferrari was there.”
“They did everything correctly from Friday, and it was great to see Carlos at 100% after the operation that had sidelined him in Saudi Arabia.”
“He and Leclerc are in the game now, they can compete with anyone for the win.”
Andretti: Sainz Equals Leclerc After Aussie GP Win. Andretti: Sainz Equals Leclerc After Aussie GP Win
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