Carlos Sainz believes that Ferrari should be more accepting of finishing just outside of the Formula 1 podium places if it means the team has extracted everything from its package. With a challenging season so far, Sainz acknowledges the competitive nature of the sport and emphasizes the need for the team to focus on maximizing their performance rather than expecting wins or podiums.
Ferrari has had a rollercoaster year, with their fortunes taking a dip after a strong start to the 2023 season. While Charles Leclerc has managed to secure three podium finishes, Sainz has been unable to crack the top three due to the inconsistent performance of the SF-23 car. The competition between Ferrari, Mercedes, Aston Martin, and McLaren has been intense, with marginal gaps deciding the outcomes of races.
Sainz recognizes the challenging position Ferrari finds itself in, especially with Red Bull's dominance this season. He emphasizes the need for the team to accept the reality of their situation and celebrate their achievements, even if they fall outside the podium places. Sainz states, "If one weekend we need to go and fight for P5 and that's the maximum we can do, we need to celebrate the fact that we've done the maximum with what we have this year."
Instead of putting undue pressure on themselves, Sainz urges Ferrari to focus on executing their race weekend duties in the best possible manner. By prioritizing maximizing the car's potential and the team's performance, Ferrari can accumulate valuable points in the constructors' championship. Currently sitting in fourth place, just five points behind Aston Martin, every point is crucial.
The Spaniard emphasizes the importance of consistency and embracing the fight they are in. In a tightly contested field where tiny performance differentials can make a significant impact on the results, Sainz suggests that Ferrari's focus should be on nailing the fundamental principles rather than pursuing unrealistic goals. "We want to make sure we maximize our constructor points...and just focus on nailing the principles and be consistent," he stated.
As Ferrari navigates the second half of the season, Sainz's perspective offers a pragmatic approach to managing expectations and finding motivation in challenging circumstances. Rather than dwelling on missed opportunities, the team must channel their energy towards extracting every ounce of performance from the car and improving their consistency.
In conclusion, Ferrari must come to terms with the tough competition and be content with finishing just outside the podium places if they have given their all. Carlos Sainz's advice to focus on maximizing performance and accumulating points in the constructors' championship is a practical and grounded approach that can help Ferrari stay competitive. By adjusting their mindset and embracing the challenge, Ferrari can strive for success in an increasingly competitive Formula 1 landscape.
