No crisis at Ferrari: 'Am surprised by those reports'

Sainz listens to criticism

For Ferrari, the 2023 Formula 1 season did not start as desired. At the Bahrain Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc and Sainz still qualified at P3 and P4, but in the race, pace proved disappointing. After Leclerc crashed out due to a problem with the engine's control unit, Sainz could not keep his compatriot Fernando Alonso behind him for P3.

Although it seems a step backwards for Ferrari compared to 2022, Sainz points to the development since his arrival in 2021. The 28-year-old driver stated at the press conference in Jeddah that while there is a team doing even better(Red Bull Racing), Ferrari's development is also positive.

''It is a lot better than what the news make it sound like, because when you look back at this last week and how many rumours there's been around it seems like the place is not in a great moment, but I can tell you, it is so clear to us what we need to improve, how we need to do it,'' said the Ferrari driver.

Crisis at Ferrari?

''I actually am very surprised how some people back at home have been trying to destabilise a bit the team. Because some call it crisis; we've only done one race. We are the first ones that are not happy with how this first race went and we are the most bothered about it. And we are going to try as much as possible to try and improve it. So yeah, I'm pretty calm about it and I see people at home committed, focused and with a very clear target in mind, and I include myself in it.''

Ferrari will look to Sainz in particular for the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix, as Leclerc has received a 10-spot grid penalty. Sainz needs to keep up the honour for the team. Last year, the Spaniard finished third in Jeddah. Then he managed to hold off Sergio Perez for the final podium spot.