F1 News
Sainz fearing for a 'very challenging' Qatar Grand Prix weekend
Carlos Sainz isn't exactly feeling positive for this weekend's Qatar Grand Prix. The Spaniard is worried that Ferrari will lack pace compared to their rivals, which could have a huge effect on Ferrari's constructor's title chances, which is still all to play for with just two races to go. McLaren is currently on top, with the Scuderia and Red Bull Racing right behind. The Spaniard is expecting a difficult weekend in Qatar but is still hoping for the best.
Sainz grabbed third place at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, a race which was dominated by Mercedes. The Brackley-based team picked up their fourth win this season, with George Russell grabbing his second of the year. Lewis Hamilton carved through the field from 10th place to finish in 2nd, meaning that Mercedes also secured their 60th one-two finish in F1.
Sainz downbeat: 'The maximum might be a P5'
According to Sainz, third was the best possible result in Sin City. "We just need to go into that trying to maximise whatever we have. I think over the last few weekends, we've done a good job," Sainz began. "In Qatar, the maximum might be a P5 or a P6 because with this car on a track like Qatar, I expect to struggle, and I expect McLaren and Mercedes to be very strong. Probably also even Red Bull, given that they were strong also in qualifying in Austin," explained the Spaniard. Ferrari has also had their own 'dominant' moments in this topsy-turvy season. Sainz himself won the Mexican Grand Prix comfortably, and teammate Charles Leclerc won the race before in Austin.
"I think it's going to be a very challenging weekend for us. That's why today it was important for us to get the maximum number of points available, and we kind of did that for the pace that we had," Sainz concluded.
The Spaniard is leaving for Williams for the 2025 season and will be hoping to end the season on a high in a competitive car. It might be the last time for a while that Sainz drives a race-winning car as he joins James Vowles's long-term Williams project.
This article was written in collaboration with Jeroen Immink
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