Carlos Sainz explains why Ferrari have a ‘big chance’ at challenging for the constructors’ title after Monza win

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Ferrari pulled off a surprise victory at the Italian Grand Prix after executing a brilliant strategy with Charles Leclerc at Monza.

McLaren locked out the front row in qualifying with Lando Norris taking pole position. But heading into the first chicane on lap one, Oscar Piastri divebombed Norris for the lead, with Leclerc also getting by the Brit at the first Lesmo.

With the Monegasque driver sandwiching the McLarens, Leclerc adopted a bold one-stop strategy and inherited the lead of the race. In clear air, the Ferrari held on for victory, leaving Piastri surprised by how Ferrari maintained their pace on worn hard tyres.

Leclerc’s second win of the season leaves him 86 points behind championship leader Max Verstappen in third and 24 points behind second place Norris.

As Formula 1 heads to Baku, defending champions Red Bull have struggled to keep up with Ferrari, McLaren and Mercedes, opening the doors for the Milton Keynes-based squad’s rivals to close the gap.

Carlos Sainz thinks Ferrari have a ‘big chance’ to fight for the constructors’ title

Speaking with GPBlog after Monza, Carlos Sainz explained why Ferrari have an opportunity to challenge for the constructors’ title in the remaining eight races.

Red Bull’s fall from grace as the best-performing package has allowed not only McLaren to catch up – as they sit just eight points behind at the Italian Grand Prix – but also Ferrari.

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Scuderia Ferrari from team principal to factory

With Leclerc’s win and Sainz finishing fourth, the Maranello squad are 39 points adrift from Red Bull in third, which to the latter is a ‘big chance’ for Ferrari to pounce and take the fight to their rivals in the constructors’ championship.

Asked about Ferrari’s chances of winning the title in 2024, he replied: “Yes, it is decisive.

“Also for the constructors because today I guess we’ve been the team scoring the most points. And that means that it is a big chance not only in general to get more wins through the year, but to fight for the constructors, which I think is going to be, if we manage to be quick also in other tracks, tied with McLaren and Red Bull.”

Can Red Bull defend their championships?

Christian Horner believes Red Bull now have the fourth fastest car, and that was evident at the Italian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen did not have an answer for McLaren, Ferrari or Mercedes as he qualified in seventh, almost seven tenths down on pole sitter Norris. The Dutchman could only manage sixth in the race as the Red Bull struggled to keep up with their rivals.

Verstappen has not won a race since Spain – the longest he has gone without winning since 2020 – and has not secured pole since Austria. With the gap significantly cut down, Red Bull are at risk of losing both of their titles.

While Baku presents a different layout than Monza, its long straights will present a challenge for Red Bull given their difficulties with straight-line speed at Monza.