Sainz keeps quiet at Ferrari until he can 'bite' Leclerc

Carlos Sainz believes he must pick his moments to capitalise onCharles Leclerc, to beat his teammate in Formula 1. Last seasonLeclerc narrowly outscored Sainz in the Drivers' Championship (206to 200 points). In the three years they have been teammates, Sainzonly beat Leclerc during the 2021 season. The Monogasque driverestablished an advantage during the switch to ground effect cars in2022, taking three race wins to Sainz's first win at Silverstone.But last season Sainz stepped up, taking the only win for a non-Redbull driver at the Singapore Grand Prix. Ferrari are hopeful ofbeing able to utilise some of this momentum to close the gap to RedBull in 2024, but Sainz believes he also must pick his moments tobest his teammate on track. “The ability he has on a single lap,the ability he has in the race to come back and gain positions atthe start… We make a very good pair. We make a very good pairing,"Sainz told DAZN Spain . Sainz: We have healthy competition Sainzbelieves that while he must capitalise on the moments to beatLeclerc on track, they must not lose overall sight of the teamobjective. “I think we are two drivers who get on very welltogether. That’s the best thing for the team, to have two driverspushing each other," said Sainz. "We have a healthy competitionbetween us, but we always prioritise the team. “I try to bite whenI have to bite and I try to control myself when I have to controlmyself.” Leclerc has been reportedly linked to a five-yearagreement until the end of the 2029 season with Ferrari, whileSainz is also seeking out a two-year extension for his current dealwith the Scuderia.