Carlos Sainz concluded the United States Grand Prix in fourth place, which turned into an unexpected podium with Lewis Hamilton's disqualification after the race. The Spaniard's race was not a regular one. The Spanish driver had to fight, even with his teammate, for preserving what he felt was the highest position the team could achieve in Austin, Texas. The podium, despite having achieved it due to the demerit of Lewis and Mercedes, was not within reach. Not even with a flawless strategy. However, the doubt remains about Leclerc given that the Monegasque did not follow Sainz in the strategy two stops. This penalized his race, sacrificing him to P6. Compared to the initial ambitions, Sainz's goal of second place in the constructors' championship is a little further away. Let's see Carlos Sainz's statements after the Austin GP.
Sainz: "we couldn't have done more than that"
Ferrari had problems not so much with degradation but with race pace. Mercedes had more as did McLaren in the opening stages of the Grand Prix, despite Lando Norris having a collapse towards the end which brought Sainz back on, 3 seconds from the goal. One of the winning cards for Sainz was to continue with a two-stop strategy. While the choice of Leclerc and the team on the Monegasque's one-stop strategy remains a mystery. However, despite Ferrari's strategies, according to Carlos they would not have been able to aim for the podium.
Sainz's statements after the GP in Austin
Interviewed from Sky Sport F1 Carlos Sainz said:
"It couldn't have been done more than that. We made all the right choices, we pushed hard in stints 2 and 3 and I just missed a podium which was really difficult Yesterday. Mercedes are hard to beat, they have a very strong race pace and the points are won on Sunday. We we will work to try to do the best possible in the races remaining at the end of the season."
At the end the team also asked the two drivers to reverse positions. Initially Leclerc was not convinced of the change with Sainz but he later changed his mind, blaming the bad result on strategy.
Sainz happy but disappointed for Leclerc
Carlos Sainz did not celebrate the podium finish. His teammate was also disqualified along with Lewis. Sainz therefore shared Charles' and the team's disappointment by judging the weekend in Austin as "bittersweet".
"Bitter-sweet. Happy for P3 but drained for Charles and the team. We will make up for it in Mexico.” he writes on Instagram.
