Carlos Sainz has revealed that the abuse from a segment of Charles Leclerc’s fanbase proved more challenging than their on-track rivalry during their time as Ferrari teammates. Sainz, who raced for Ferrari from 2021 to 2024, described the fan base as ‘very polarised’ between the two drivers.
The Spanish driver recalled suffering insults and negative sentiments from these ‘hardcore’ supporters.
He also noted criticism from some Italian media outlets, which he said expected him to act as a ‘number two’ driver, and vice versa for Leclerc.
Sainz clarified that any on-track disagreements with Leclerc were consistently resolved privately, often within hours of an incident.
He emphasised that the external pressure surrounding Ferrari was the primary difficulty, rather than internal issues with his teammate.
Sainz’s comments emerge amidst ongoing tensions within Ferrari’s current driver lineup, featuring Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
The pair have been involved in multiple incidents during the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Most recently, at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Hamilton started from pole position with Leclerc in third.
They collided at Turn 4 on the opening lap while battling for the lead.
Leclerc subsequently went off track, cutting across the grass, and took the lead, while Hamilton dropped behind Max Verstappen.
Leclerc received a five-second time penalty for gaining a lasting advantage.
Hamilton finished the race in second place, with Leclerc in fourth, and Verstappen securing the victory.
Following the race, Hamilton expressed frustration, suggesting Leclerc’s ‘do or die’ approach had cost Ferrari a potential one-two finish.
Leclerc admitted the penalty was ‘deserved’ but also attributed some blame to the circuit’s design.
Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur criticised both drivers, citing a ‘lack of respect’ for the team and the Ferrari brand.
Vasseur stated it was difficult to accept giving up a potential victory in such a manner.
Hamilton later affirmed he would not be silenced and called for ‘serious talks’ within the team.
Leclerc was absent from media commitments in Brazil due to the birth of his daughter.
Earlier in the 2026 season, at Monza, Leclerc squeezed Hamilton wide at the first chicane during the opening lap.
This forced Hamilton onto the gravel, causing him to lose positions.
Stewards took no action regarding the Monza incident.
Leclerc later accepted responsibility, stating he ‘could have done a better job’ in that situation.
The two Ferrari drivers subsequently held a face-to-face discussion to resolve any animosity.
Further tension arose at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort when Leclerc appeared reluctant to follow instructions to allow Hamilton to pass.
Leclerc maintained he received no radio message to yield position.
Hamilton expressed frustration, believing the time lost behind Leclerc cost him a podium finish.
Carlos Sainz currently races for Williams, having joined the team in 2025 after his departure from Ferrari.
He signed a new multi-year contract with Williams on August 19, 2026, extending his tenure through to the end of 2028.
In 2025, Sainz secured two Grand Prix podiums for Williams in Azerbaijan and Qatar, along with a Sprint podium in Austin.
The 2026 season has presented more challenges for Williams, with Sainz accumulating six points and achieving a best result of ninth place in China, Miami, and Canada.
