F1 News: Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are under immense ‘Italian pressure’, claims former Ferrari champion

For drivers, the world of F1 means absorbing high-pressure situations where a lot is at stake every time they take to the track. However, when driving, ferrari, the pressure is on a completely different level. Ferrari is one of the sport’s oldest teams and its popularity as a constructor in F1 is unparalleled. With 16 titles under its belt, Ferrari is expected to win the championship every year, regardless of the team’s previous performance. And no one feels that pressure more than drivers. The last three seasons Carlos Sainz And Charles Leclerc has always been an object of Italian pride as a member of the Scuderia.

Charles Leclerc and Sainz are well aware that due to the Prancing Horse’s iconic image and the weight of Italian fans’ expectations, Charles Leclerc and Sainz are under near constant scrutiny. The Italian media is also always paying attention to the team’s performance. For this reason, the players who drive for Ferrari are always in the spotlight, and especially at a time like this when the team is not doing well, they must have the fortitude to stand up to criticism.

Former Ferrari champion involved in pressure on Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz

For Ferrari, the pressure of driving finally reaches its peak when the F1 circus reaches the temple of speed, Monza.of italian grand prix It’s like a festival, as the tifosi come out in droves to show their support for Ferrari. In 2023, Sainz took pole position and raised the expectations of his fans to the maximum.But it is max verstappen Sainz narrowly held onto the final podium spot and ultimately won the race.

1979 Ferrari World Champion Jody scheckterthe only South African driver to win an F1 title recently interviewed eddie jordan On the Formula For Success Podcast. Jordan asked Jody. “Do you think there’s any pressure on them?” [Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz] Is it infinitely better than any other driver combination? ”

“The difference for me is that when you drive for Ferrari you are driving for Italy.“ said Schechter. “When you’re driving for McLaren or any other team, you’re driving for the team. That’s the big difference. So there was pressure from Italy. Because whatever you did, it was in all the newspapers.“

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However, I think it’s up to each person whether they view that pressure negatively or positively. And the current Ferrari duo appear to be enjoying the weight of Italian fans’ expectations.

Leclerc and Sainz unfazed by pressure to drive for Ferrari

The Ferrari drivers seemed to feel a sense of responsibility as they were burdened with high expectations. Carlos Sainz, who was instrumental in Ferrari’s only victory in 2023, says Ferrari’s passionate fan base is more of a boost than a burden. That’s a feeling shared by both drivers.

According to Leclerc, quoted by GP Blog: “It wasn’t something that bothered me or felt like pressure, but rather a positive thing in the sense that I could count on a lot of support around the world. When I see the great passion of all those who follow me and sometimes come from afar to watch F1 races, I already feel that I have to perform well.”

During the Italian Grand Prix, Sainz said something similar after taking pole position. “I wouldn’t call it pressure. I call it a sense of responsibility and a sense of wanting to give this crowd and this country the best possible version of myself with my performances both off and on the track… At the end of the day, it’s much more motivation than pressure.”

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