Sainz has '100% confidence' in Ferrari - rubbishes talks of regret

©McLaren

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Carlos Sainz has full faith in Ferrari's ability to turn around its fortunes, the Spaniard rubbishing suggestions from McLaren boss Zak Brown that he may have regrets about signing for the Scuderia.

Ferrari's poor form this season and the Italian outfit's limited scope for progress in 2021 given Formula 1's regulation freeze have obviously put a damper on Sainz's prospects for next year.

The Scuderia's mediocre Belgian Grand Prix, where Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc failed to qualify or finish among the top ten, incited Brawn to suggest that Sainz could be harboring regrets over his decision to leave McLaren and move to Ferrari.

"What looked like a dream move to Ferrari next year isn't looking too good right now and inevitably, he must be nervous about his prospects next season," said Brawn.

But Sainz hit back at his current boss' assertion and also alluded to his most recent setback at McLaren that deprived him of starting last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

"I am very comfortable with the decision I've taken," said Sainz. "I have 100% confidence in Ferrari people and what they can do for the future.

"Let's just remember that last year they were capable of winning seven pole positions, so it's a team that I think knows how to produce very good cars.

"And regarding if I am nervous: what makes me nervous is to lose 30 points, due to no fault of my own.

"That's what really concerns me right now. It's what really makes me go to bed and think, where the hell have I lost this amount of points and how is this happening to me?

"I am fully confident and ready to go to Ferrari next season. I cannot be more excited."

Sainz: Ferrari needs 'very big step' with engine for 2021

As a future Ferrari driver, Sainz's profile has logically been boosted in Italy where the 26-year-old is sampling this week his newfound popularity.

"I can already feel the excitement of the tifosi in the way that they've approached me whenever we leave the hotel," he said.

"Somehow the tifosi manage to find you and give you some good energy, and that good energy that I've received this weekend is already starting to make me feel how exciting it is going to be next year and being part of such a team with such a history

"Honestly, I don’t think it’s ever a bad time to go to Ferrari," added Sainz.

"Going to Ferrari is such a unique experience and such a special place for a Formula 1 driver that I don’t think there’s ever going to be a bad time where you would say ‘I do not want to go to Ferrari’.

"You give me that option 100 times again, I will always say yes."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.