Ferrari F1 News: Carlos Sainz Claims Upgrades Will Be Introduced 'Too Late' To Challenge Red Bull

Despite potential and progress, Ferrari faces a critical challenge in timing and performance to catch up with Red Bull this season.

May 6, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz (55) of Spain waves to the / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Carlos Sainz has expressed concerns that the upgrades planned by Ferrari may arrive too late in the season to effectively challenge Red Bull's dominance. Despite impressive performances, consistently finishing in the top 3 in the first four races of the season including a victory in Australia, Ferrari still trails behind the Austrian team in the championship race.

Key Takeaways:

• Ferrari, currently Red Bull's main rival, has secured multiple podium finishes early in the 2024 season, but still faces a significant performance gap.
• Carlos Sainz highlighted Ferrari's advancements, yet acknowledged the ongoing speed disparity with Red Bull.
• Sainz is cautious about the timing of upcoming Ferrari upgrades, fearing they might not be sufficient to overturn Red Bull's early-season advantages.

The Maranello-based squad has demonstrated substantial improvements with their revamped SF-24, which shone brightly as Carlos Sainz led Ferrari to a 1-2 finish in Australia, capitalising on a rare retirement from Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Such moments of triumph have been critical in keeping the team's championship hopes alive.

Despite this, the Japanese Grand Prix was a stark reminder of the uphill battle Ferrari faces. Red Bull's dominance was on full display as they clinched another 1-2 finish, widening their lead in the standings. This pattern suggests a tough road ahead for the Italian team. Sainz himself noted, as quoted by Motorsportweek:

“We exactly improved the car in the places that we wanted to improve it, and Suzuka proves it.

“Hopefully it can get us closer. But yeah, we’ve improved everywhere, and especially in the race pace.”

The crux of Ferrari's dilemma lies in the timing of their upgrades. Sainz's insight into the development strategy highlights a significant concern:

“I think they are definitely going to have an advantage in the first third of the season until we bring one or two upgrades that makes us fight them more consistently.

“But by that time maybe it’s a bit too late with the advantage that they might have on the championship.”

The importance of circuit characteristics was also underscored by Sainz's comments on needing more races like Albert Park, where Ferrari's current setup is more competitive. The wait for upgrades, scheduled to debut at Imola next month, is a race against time in itself. Additionally, Sainz's personal stakes are high, as he revealed:

“In the meantime, we need more Australias! Which I don’t see Red Bull, as a team, making these mistakes very often.

“A shame, because also I missed a race, which for both the team and me, it could be costly in the championship. We’re competing in one race less.

“But at the same time, we’re going to give it our best shot. It’s my last year in Ferrari also, so yeah, nothing to lose and we will try everything to make it back.”