Charles Leclerc was visibly upset at the conclusion of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, expressing his dissatisfaction over the radio with engineer Bryan Bozzi. This reaction followed Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz’s decision to disregard team orders, which instructed him not to challenge Leclerc. Despite initially being in a strong position to overtake Sainz during the final pit stops, Leclerc found himself passed by the Spaniard, who then secured a podium finish before his impending departure from Ferrari at the end of 2024.
Was Sainz Justified in Ignoring Ferrari?
Sainz’s decision to ignore the directive brings forth a critical question: was he right to defy the team, or will he reflect on this choice with regret? Our panel of writers weighs in on the subject.
Sainz’s Assertiveness: A Message to Ferrari
“Sainz is within his rights to show Ferrari what it’ll be missing,” states Alex Kalinauckas. Sainz’s fierce competitiveness was already on display earlier this season, notably in the China sprint race and again in Austin. His aggressive approach reached new heights in Las Vegas, where his manoeuvre resulted in Leclerc falling behind Max Verstappen, ultimately allowing Sainz to clinch his 26th career podium in F1.
Looking towards 2025, Sainz has opted to join Williams, prioritising short-term competitiveness over a move to Sauber/Audi. It is worth noting that the last time a Williams driver stood on an F1 podium was during the Belgium race in 2021 – a rare feat since Baku in 2017. With such limited opportunities for podium finishes, Sainz’s decision to ignore team orders could be seen as justified.
The Future of Sainz at Williams
Sainz’s upcoming transition to Williams presents both challenges and opportunities. He cannot be certain of when he might reach the F1 rostrum again, especially given his move down the grid. Nevertheless, Sainz and his future teammate Alex Albon are hopeful that Williams can build upon its recent progress under the leadership of team principal James Vowles.
This uncertain future, coupled with the chance to stand on the podium again, rationalises Sainz’s decision to defy Ferrari’s orders in Vegas – much to the dismay of Leclerc.
The Internal Tension at Ferrari
While Sainz’s move may bring long-term benefits for him, it has undoubtedly stirred internal tension within Ferrari. Leclerc’s post-race radio outburst highlights the strain that such intra-team battles can cause, potentially affecting the team’s cohesive function.
As Ferrari prepares for future seasons, managing driver dynamics and team orders will be critical in maintaining harmony and achieving their championship aspirations.
