2023 F1 Season Top 10 Drivers Report: 7. Carlos Sainz's Performance
Carlos Sainz's 2023 Season Overview
Carlos Sainz finished 7th in the 2023 F1 Drivers Standings with 200 points. Throughout the season, he displayed consistent performance, albeit with some ups and downs. His season highlights included the only win by a not Red Bull driver this season. He won the Singapore Grand Prix and two podium finishes, one of which was in the USA F1 GP. He also secured two pole positions. His total laps for the season were 1246, a testament to his endurance and skill on the track.
Sainz Wasn't Lucky this Season
His lowest point of the season would probably be the moment he ran into the manhole that demolished the complete Ferrari SF23 and he even received a 10 place grid penalty for replacing engine parts that were useless making it also impossible to get on the podium, while his teammate Leclerc almost won the race. He also couldn't participate in the Qatar GP, because his car had an oil leak and he collided with McLaren driver Oscar Piastri in turn 1 during the Belgian GP which ended that race premature.
Comparison with Teammate Charles Leclerc
Sainz's performance in 2023 should be viewed in relation to his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc. Leclerc finished 5th in the standings with 206 points, just six points ahead of Sainz. Both drivers showed remarkable skill, but Leclerc had a slight edge over Sainz in terms of overall points. However, it's notable that Sainz achieved a race win, something Leclerc couldn't accomplish during the season.
| Statistic | Carlos Sainz | Charles Leclerc |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Prix (GP) | 22 | 22 |
| 1st Places | 1 | 0 |
| 2nd Places | 0 | 3 |
| 3rd Places | 2 | 3 |
| Podiums | 3 | 6 |
| Pole Positions | 2 | 5 |
| Laps Completed | 1246 | 1147 |
| Fastest Laps (FL) | 0 | 0 |
| Did Not Finish (DNF) | 1 | 4 |
| Total Points | 200 | 206 |
Sainz's Career Context
To appreciate Sainz's 2023 performance, it's essential to understand his journey in F1. With a racing pedigree, he entered F1 in 2015 and has since raced for several teams, including Toro Rosso, Renault, and McLaren, before joining Ferrari. His career stats include 2 race wins, 5 pole positions, 18 podiums, and a total of 983 points from 185 race entries.
Sainz's trajectory shows continuous growth and adaptation. His early years in Toro Rosso and Renault were marked by solid performances, often outshining his teammates. His stint at McLaren was particularly notable, where he replaced Fernando Alonso and achieved his first podium in 2019.
Joining Ferrari in 2021, Sainz proved to be a strong competitor, finishing 5th in the championship and outscoring Leclerc. In 2022, he secured his first F1 win and showed further improvement, though he faced some consistency issues.
Conclusion
Carlos Sainz's 2023 F1 season was a blend of high points and challenges. While he couldn't surpass Leclerc in the overall standings, his win and podium finishes underscore his capabilities as a top-tier F1 driver. His evolution over the years reflects his adaptability and resilience in the competitive world of Formula 1.
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