Sainz responds to a tough Q2 sprint qualifying exit: 'Not feeling at home'
F1 News
Carlos Sainz has explained that he is yet to feel one hundred per cent settled at his Williams team after finishing 13th in sprint qualifying for the Chinese Grand Prix. The Spaniard, however, admits that he's ready to continue learning in the search for a better result at the Shanghai International Circuit after crashing out of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in the early stages.
“I’ve struggled all day with the balance, and both sessions have been quite tough,” Sainz explained after his Q2 exit in sprint qualifying. Teammate Alex Albon went on to Q3 and will line up on Saturday in ninth place provisionally. The Thai driver also performed well in Sainz's absence at the Australian Grand Prix, finishing in fifth place.
Sainz admits to not ''feeling at home'' in the car
“In Sprint Quali we had a few issues, including a weird feeling with the seat that we’ll look into, but overall it comes down to me still not feeling at home in the car." The former Ferrari driver still hasn't spent much time in the Williams car and knows that more track time to continue adjusting is crucial. “We were struggling with some balance problems especially coming down to Q2, not knowing exactly where to find the lap time and a bit of over-driving. I still have to learn and understand many things about it and I know, with more mileage, it will come."
Despite qualifying not going the way of the four-time Grand Prix winner, there are multiple chances to improve this weekend. Sainz will be looking to add to Williams' points tally in Sunday's Grand Prix. "Hopefully tomorrow we can put everything together and improve today’s result for Sunday." He concluded.
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