Carlos Sainz defends Ferrari strategy at Castellet

Is it frustration or relief that dominates the mind of Carlos Sainz ? The Ferrari driver had an eventful weekend at the Paul-Ricard circuit. Penalized on the grid for a complete change of power unit, the Spaniard made a good comeback into the top 3 during the French Grand Prix. On lap 42, with worn medium tires, the Team decided to bring his driver in to switch to fresher medium tires. 

At first in disbelief at his team's call - hammering " Not now ! » in his radio – Carlos Sainz then did so while passing through the pits. The number 55 finally took 5th place at Le Castellet, quite far from the podium. “No, we couldn’t have gone for victory, but the podium, with a perfect race, we could have done it”, estimates the Madrid pilot. “Without the penalty, if we had started on pole or on the front row, victory would have definitely been possible. »

“We are not a disaster as people like to say” replies Sainz

If many questioned Ferrari's strategy, Carlos Sainz first, the Scuderia driver then took up the defense of his team. “I think the team is doing a really good job on strategy this year. I still believe that people are much more critical of Ferrari, even for things that other teams could also choose with the stops. Whenever there is a delicate moment on strategy, we discuss it. We are not a disaster like people like to say. »

Asked about his unrestrained reaction on the radio, Carlos Sainz explained the reason for his irritation. “I was in the middle of an overtake and I thought it was the wrong lap to stop. I thought at that point it was better to take the risk and see what happens with the tires... But I had just gone 3rd. I told myself that if I made these tires last, maybe I could finish on the podium. »

The Iberian therefore scored 11 points in France, a small score as the Ferrari seemed at ease on the Paul-Ricard track. Enough to fuel a little frustration. “We started 19th and when you see how the pit stop went, finishing 5th with the point for the fastest lap is a good result. I'll take it, but I believe with a perfect race we could have been higher. »

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