Sainz unhappy with P2: "Felt like I had the pace"

17:31, 30 Jul 2022
5 Comments

Carlos Sainz had the pole position in his hands, but George Russell surprised friend and foe by clocking the fastest time at the last moment and giving Mercedes thier first pole position of the year. Sainz can still start the Hungarian Grand Prix from the front row and can therefore be satisfied with his performance.

Sainz has had a difficult start to the current Formula One season but seems to be settling into the Ferrari F1-75. "Definitely feeling better and better every race and every qualifying session. Today I felt like I had the pace to do a pole position," the Spaniard said after qualifying.

Sainz wants to attack Russell at the start

Sainz is reeling from missing out on pole, but believes Ferrari have a good chance of victory on Sunday. "I think we have the pace. Obviously, the start and tyre management will play a key role like always," the Ferrari driver continued.

Russell may be on pole, but it is not expected that Mercedes will set the pace in the race. "The Mercedes pace is a bit of an unknown and we will have to see how the race plays out tomorrow. If we get them at the start, better," Sainz said.

5 Comments
maverick75 30 July 2022 at 18:09+ 18743

Sainz did have the pace. Russell pulled an absolute blinder out of the bag. I don't think even he would be able to replicate that!

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Mech Engineer 31 July 2022 at 24:05+ 55040

This is a clear case where an exceptional driver was able to get his car to out perform others who had far superior cars through consultancy. None of his 3 sectors were the quickest, but he was able to string them all together in a single lap. We have seen him in previous years before in the Williams to be able to qualify in Q2 or Q1, when the car actual performance should really be only around P17

Fadi Arbid 30 July 2022 at 18:00+ 149

Stay away from George in the first lap... The race is long and he have a history in hitting cars during the first lap. Red Bull are far behind so you can wait a couple of laps to overtake him

maverick75 30 July 2022 at 18:10+ 18743

My thoughts exactly, will be an interesting first few laps.

Ferrarifanatic 30 July 2022 at 17:49+ 14286

If Ferrari's finish tomorrow, it should be a 1-2!!! Can't see George holding them off with their race pace.