Sainz explains: 'I couldn't do anything to hold the car'

F1 News

9 October 2022 at 13:37
Last update 9 October 2022 at 15:03
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  • GPblog.com

The Japanese Grand Prix was quickly over for Carlos Sainz. The Spaniard finished in the wall on the opening lap of the race. Sainz could do nothing to stop his car, but the Ferrari driver is especially happy that no major accidents happened in the wet weather conditions.

"A tricky and disappointing Sunday. By the time the race started the call between Intermediates and Wet tyres was very close, but to be honest with either tyre the visibility would have been zero, which was the biggest limitation", begins Sainz on the Ferrari website.

Sainz ended up partially on the track with his damaged car. Fortunately, the other drivers just managed to avoid the Ferrari. Sainz explains how the accident could happen. "I tried to get out of Perez’s spray and found myself in a big puddle, had aquaplaning and couldn’t do anything to hold the car. At that moment my only concern was not being hit."

Sainz congratulates Verstappen and Red Bull

"I was in a dangerous position in the middle of the track and I knew the other drivers couldn’t see me. Luckily for everyone, nothing worse happened today. We’ll reset and go back at it in the USA. Congrats to Max Verstappen and Red Bull for the Championship title", says the Ferrari driver.

Another dangerous situation did arise during the race with a tractor on the drivers' racing line. Pierre Gasly drove past the vehicle at a tremendous speed and was startled. The FIA has announced a thorough investigation into the events.