Sainz after hard-fought podium at Monza: ‘It was tough and fun’

F1 News

Sainz happy with podium at Monza Ferrari Italian Grand Prix 2023
3 September 2023 at 16:50

Carlos Sainz’s race at Monza was definitely not short of action. Throughout the day, the Spanish driver had to fight to keep his position against the two Red Bulls and his teammate Charles Leclerc. Sainz eventually finished in P3 in his team’s home race.

"It was the most special podium probably that you can get as a Ferrari driver. I enjoyed it a lot and now obviously a bit exhausted because it was a tough race. Always trying to keep cars behind. I gave it my everything and in the end I think we deserved a podium," Sainz told Viaplay following the Italian Grand Prix.

He also gave his verdict on the on-track battles he competed in today throughout the 51 laps of racing. "It was fun but on the limit tough. It was as tough and as fun as it can get but I enjoyed it also with Checo, with Max. They were all very tough, hard battles that we did a good job to keep it clean and it was enjoyable and good for everyone."

'I did everything I could against Verstappen'

After a clean start for the Spaniard, Sainz had to try to keep Max Verstappen behind. The Ferrari driver said that tyre degradation cost him the most. "It was very tough. Honestly, I couldn't have done anything more than what I did. Trying to keep him behind also cost me the tyre degradation that I had because I was probably pushing too hard for our pace this weekend. I did everything I could. I think it was a very good execution, tough battle but honestly it was as tough as it could get."