Ever since the Italian GP, we have seen Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in a new light. The two supposed friends were at each other’s throats until the very end in Monza. This scenario put the flame on high for the already brewing pot of tensions between the two, especially after all the team orders Sainz adhered to in the recent past. However, Sainz’s fight is not with the Ferrari or Leclerc alone. As it turns out, the Spaniard has a gigantic mountain to climb, and prove a lot of people donning the Ferrari reds wrong.

More than Sainz, his father Sainz Sr. has been fighting for equal respect in the Ferrari camp for his son. However, statements against the institution never help in mending relationships. In fact, in this fight for superiority and respect, a report by an Italian news outlet F1 News gave Sainz a brutal reality check.

“According to sources close to the driver, Carlos believed his performance would get a different celebration. However, he seems to be always one step behind Leclerc, who appeared as the real darling during the pre-GP events in Milan. Sainz’s disappointment could therefore have deep roots, linked not only to contractual issues but also to the perception of feeling in the shadows compared to his Monegasque colleague,” read the report. (Translated by Google)

Read More: 2 Reasons Make Carlos Sainz More “Valuable Than Charles Leclerc” Amid Rumors of Changing Loyalties

Not just the team, the Spaniard has to fight for respect from the ardent Ferrari fans as well. In fact, the fans showcased their unwavering support for Leclerc ahead of the race as well.

However, despite all these incidents, Sainz Jr. is still agreeing with Ferrari.

Carlos Sainz Jr. disobeys his father’s demand to wage war against Charles Leclerc and Ferrari

After a nerve-wracking end to the Italian GP, a livid Sainz Sr. did not hold back in criticizing the entire Maranello camp. Sainz’s father effectively called out Frederic Vasseur for his whimsical management of the team and his bias toward Leclerc.

Apart from criticizing the team, the former rally driver also asked his son to take up arms and wage war against his team and teammate. However, Sainz Jr. disobeyed his father and did no such thing. In fact, in his post-race interview, the Spaniard said he understood the team’s decision to let the two race.

“I would have understood both decisions,” explained Sainz regarding the decision of the Ferrari wall to leave the drivers free to race. “If they had given team orders, I would have understood.” 

WATCH THIS STORY: Is Carlos Sainz Looking to Move away from Ferrari?

Perhaps the Spaniard has made up his mind about leaving Ferrari and is fulfilling his duties until his contract runs out. We can’t be sure, as Sainz will never openly admit to the same. Regardless, it will be interesting to see if these tensions boil down to on-track drama between the two.