During the press conference at the Dutch Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz shared his thoughts on Ferrari’s performance and his hopes for the future.
The Spaniard acknowledged that the differences between the top teams are small, and to beat the likes of Mercedes, Aston Martin, and McLaren, Ferrari just needs to find that extra tenth of a second.
The differences are small, to beat Mercedes, Aston Martin, McLaren now – it’s a tenth. We just need to focus on the putting the whole weekend together
Carlos Sainz
Sainz emphasized the importance of putting together a strong performance throughout the entire weekend.
Reflecting on his own season so far, Sainz admitted that it hasn’t been easy. His highest finish this year was fourth place, achieved in the opening race. In comparison, his teammate Charles Leclerc has managed to secure three podium finishes thanks to some impressive drives in recent races.
Sainz recognizes that there is room for improvement and wants to be in a better position next year.
Sainz attributed Ferrari’s lack of consistency this season to the unpredictability of their car. He explained that it has been difficult to gauge where the car will excel.
🇳🇱 Carlos entering the paddock earlier 🌶
— Carlos Sainz News (@CSainzNews_) August 24, 2023
📸: Kym Illman#CarlosSainz | #DutchGP | #F1 pic.twitter.com/kgu5KRyRcy
However, the team is fully focused on addressing this issue and aims to be more consistent in the second half of the season. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of their current car, they can make significant improvements for the 2024 season.
We want to be in a better place for next year. It’s no secret that this year we’ve lacked consistency in the car, it’s difficult to predict where this car will be strong. This is where we are focussing on, and in the second half of the season
Carlos Sainz
When asked about his plans for the summer break, Sainz mentioned that he intends to take some time to relax.
However, he emphasized that this break is different from the winter break, where there is more leisure time. At Ferrari, the team’s mood is centered around analyzing this year’s car and the regulations to identify areas where they may be lacking.
They are fully committed to finding ways to make the 2024 car even quicker.
An Optimistic Outlook for Ferrari
Despite the challenges faced by Ferrari this season, Sainz remains optimistic about the team’s future. He believes that with the right focus and improvements, they can bridge the gap to the front-runners.
Ferrari has a rich history in Formula 1, and Sainz is determined to contribute to their success.
As the season progresses, Sainz and his team will continue to analyze their performance and strive for consistency. With the competitiveness in the sport being so close, every small improvement can make a significant difference.
Sainz’s relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with Ferrari’s determination, will surely make for an exciting journey ahead.
