Sainz, 2nd behind Russell: “The pace of the Mercedes is a bit of an unknown”

In Hungary, Carlos Sainz was beaten at the very end of the session by George Russell. If the Spaniard thinks he has the pace to win on Sunday, he is still wary of the pace of the Mercedes.

Published on 30/07/2022 à 17:41

Tom Trichereau

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Sainz, 2nd behind Russell: “The pace of the Mercedes is a bit of an unknown”

Carlos Sainz thought he would win his second pole position in Hungary. © Photo DPPI

After Silverstone, Carlos Sainz has long hoped to be able to score his second pole position of the season at the Hungaroring. After having managed to overtake his teammate, the Spaniard had to see this first position on the grid coming. So when Max Verstappen had a problem in his last attempt, the pilot of the Team was already imagining himself in pole position for the Hungarian Grand Prix. But that was without counting the performance of the astonishing George Russell who emerged at the end of the accounts. The Briton managed to beat Carlos Sainz by 4 hundredths.

Even if he was inevitably disappointed, the Spaniard confirmed in Hungary his renewed form displayed with the Scuderia. “ I feel better and better with each race and each qualifying session, says Carlos Sainz. Today I felt like I had the pace to take pole position. »

But in the last part of the Hungaroring, the Madrid driver lost precious tenths. “ It eluded us in the last sector with a few collisions on the lap, but congratulations to George because he must have put in a good lap and we will start from second place tomorrow », explains Carlos Sainz.

Carlos Sainz wary of Mercedes

With a Max Verstappen in 10e position, the Scuderia can carry out a big operation in the ranking this Sunday. But before thinking about Red Bull, we will first have to get rid of George Russell. “ The rhythm of Mercedes is a bit of an unknown and we will have to see how the race goes tomorrow. If we can have them at the start it would be better », Specifies the Spaniard.

But with the performances displayed since the start of the weekend, Carlos Sainz should be able to overtake the Silver Arrows. “We have the pace, obviously the start and tire management will play a key role as always,” recalls the Madrilenian. Be careful though of the weather which could disrupt the race on Sunday in Hungary.

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