Sainz makes bold F1 title claim after fresh Ferrari upgrades

Carlos Sainz believes Ferrari is firmly in the F1 constructors' championship hunt labelling its fight with McLaren at Monza as "genuine".

Sainz qualified fifth and finished fourth in Ferrari's home race as team-mate Charles Leclerc emerged victorious on a torrid weekend for championship leaders Red Bull. 

Ferrari took 25 points out of Red Bull's lead to now trail by just 39 behind the reigning champions, with McLaren 31 ahead of the Scuderia. 

The MCL38 is regarded as the fastest car on the grid, but Sainz felt greatly encouraged at how fresh Ferrari upgrades allowed the SF-24 to hold its own against Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

"Based on [the Italian GP], we were in a genuine race with the McLarens, and the tow made a bit of a difference," Sainz told media including RacingNews365 after Ferrari's first race with an upgraded floor.

"It is decisive for the constructors' because we were the team scoring the most points (with Ferrari taking 37 points to McLaren's 34). 

"It means there is a big chance, not only to get more wins through the year but to also fight for the constructors'.

"I think if we manage to be quick at other tracks, it will be tight with McLaren and Red Bull."

Monza particulars

Despite the encouragement he felt from the performance at Monza, Sainz was also cautious to see if the Scuderia's pace would be able to transition across to the remaining circuits on the calendar given the peculiar nature of the track.

"I think I lost the tow around lap 15 when they pitted, and I could feel how slow it was without it," he said. 

"Then they formed a train of three cars, and I was in the middle of nowhere, but I genuinely think we were in a race with the McLarens, which was great to see.

"At the same time, it is Monza and Monza is very particular, so we need to wait to see on more normal tracks if this upgrade has really turned our season around and if we are going to fight for wins from now on or going to go back."