Charles Leclerc has admitted he is struggling to keep up with team-mate Carlos Sainz’s performances of late.

Ferrari finds itself in a unique position with Carlos Sainz racing alongside Charles Leclerc in 2024. The team announced the signing of Lewis Hamilton earlier in the year, which led to Sainz’s exit from the Italian. Team. While currently Red Bull’s closest rivals in the 2024 championship, Ferrari faces an internal battle for dominance among drivers.

Sainz, despite missing a race due to surgery, has closed the gap on teammate Leclerc in the standings, currently trailing by just four points. The Spaniard has shown some impressive consistency in recent races, consistently outpacing Leclerc across the last three outings. This culminated in a dominant victory at the Australian Grand Prix, a clear display of his growing confidence and speed.

Charles Leclerc revealed the superior performance shown by Carlos Sainz

Monegasque, showing admirable athleticism, concedes the current advantage of Sainz. Leclerc recently said, “I think it’s as simple as that he’s doing a good job. I think it’s hard to compare in Bahrain because for me I had problems and I think apart from that it was a very strong weekend. However, in the last two races, he is stronger. It’s now up to me to do the work, especially at the pace in qualifying, which is usually a strength.”

Leclerc on recent performances #F1 #ChineseGP

He is doing better. It’s hard to compare about Bahrain because for my part I had problems and I think apart from that problem it was a very good weekend from my side. But in the last two races…

— Ferrari Focus (@Scuderiascoop) April 18, 2024

He put it down to his teammate’s better work, especially in qualifying, where Sainz set the fastest times twice. Leclerc, however, remained unfazed and expressed hope for Ferrari’s chances at the next Chinese Grand Prix. With both drivers from the Maranello-based outfit pushing to close the gap on the championship leader, the Shanghai race is set to be a very exciting event.

Not too long ago, Leclerc expressed his opinion on Sainz’s future in Formula 1. The driver seemed optimistic that his teammate was being contacted by several teams and bosses. As their partnership was winding down, their Cold-War phases seemed to subside. Although Sainz and Leclerc have shown an on-screen bromance, their relationship has not always been blossoming.

Teammate battle at Ferrari as Sainz overtakes Leclerc

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz found themselves embroiled in a tense radio exchange during qualifying for the 2023 British Grand Prix. Leclerc expressed frustration with an aggressive message after Sainz overtook him on track despite having priority. The Spaniard, however, came on strong in the second half of the season to close the gap on Leclerc in the Drivers’ Championship standings.

Confirmed Q1 British GP. leclerc had priority and Sainz does what Sainz does best- be a brat and defy it, jeopardizing both their quality positions https://t.co/dnLrq423gF pic.twitter.com/TfJ7UMKH7O

— Lara (@leclarity_) November 22, 2023

Despite his late rise, a disappointing performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix the previous season prevented Ferrari from claiming second place in the Constructors’ Championship. Despite missing an important race, Sainz returned in style at the 2024 Bahrain GP. After overcoming an early setback where he lost position on the first lap, he displayed impressive fighting spirit.

The 29-year-old driver, not only overtook his team-mate Leclerc but also capitalized on George Russell’s problems to secure a decent podium finish. However, Monegasque understands that Sainz will need to prove himself on the track to secure a permanent spot from 2025 onwards. Due to this scene, the rivalry between these two grew.