Leclerc "learning a lot" from "very different" Sainz compared to Vettel

Charles Leclerc has revealed he is “learning a lot” from new Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz due to the Spanish driver possessing a very different style compared to former partner Sebastian Vettel.

Leclerc comfortably had the upper hand over Vettel last year, establishing himself as the team’s lead driver, but he has already been pushed hard by Sainz after just three races.

Leclerc said: “Carlos drives very differently to how Seb was driving last year.

"It’s always very interesting to see him work with the engineers, the way he works and his view on things. I am definitely learning a lot from him.”

Sainz has settled in well at Ferrari, scoring points in the first two races, although he missed out in Portugal on Sunday due to an incorrect strategy call that dropped him to 11th at the chequered flag after qualifying fifth.

Sainz is also benefitting from an open relationship with his team-mate, enabling him to pick up tips from Leclerc on how to drive the Ferrari SF21 as he continues to bed in following his move from McLaren.

Sainz explained: “I have learned quite a lot from Charles just in the way to do some corners and to apply a certain driving style or to go in a set-up direction then come back and try a different one. There’s always things to learn.

“Up until now, to be honest, we are being quite open with each other and that makes things good and healthy in the team. We are going to keep pushing in that direction and keep learning.”

Sainz has claimed he must look deep into Sunday’s race to understand why he slipped down the field following his impressive qualifying performance.

“This race was my first difficult race with Ferrari, my first difficult Sunday where things didn’t go to plan,” said Sainz.

“There will be a lot of thinking, a lot of analysing, a lot of self-criticism and trying to see what we can do better for the future and keep improving. It’s a steep learning curve that I am on right now and [that] needs to continue.”

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