Ferrari still has some limitations in terms of engine power, something that especially weighs on the Italian line-up on the fast circuits. Carlos Sainz knows that it will be difficult to beat McLaren at Spa-Francorchamps.
Ferrari arrives at Belgian Grand Prix after a quiet summer break and two podium finishes in the final July races at Silverstone and the Hungaroring. But that does not mean that the Italian team is going to opt for such a solid result again at Spa-Francorchamps, where the competition will resume this weekend.
«We suffered here last year. We knew we had a deficit, but this year is much better and we seem much more competitive on this type of circuit », Carlos Sainz begins by saying, clearly alluding to the engine.
“It’s about maximizing results, which we will achieve as we spend more time with the team”
But such improvement is unlikely to be enough, as Mercedes and Honda powered teams are still one step ahead in that regard. “I’m not going to lie, it’s not our favorite circuit and it doesn’t seem like we’re going to lead the middle group on these long straights. But it would be enough to try to be there with the McLarens and the rest of the grid to try to be behind the leaders.
This is our goal. The races are there precisely to compete, so as we saw in Hungary or Silverstone, anything can happen. I always go to the races thinking that I can get on the podium or win », clarifies Sainz.
The second half of the season
In the last weeks, Carlos Sainz He has been able to rest after a very stressful few months in which his main objective has been to adapt as quickly as possible to Ferrari and the new car.
“Basically, it has been the same as every summer. My plan is always to go to Mallorca and spend time there with my family and friends since I was a child: relaxation, sports, family, boat, jet skis, fishing … that kind of thing that I love, it has been great. I’ve had enough so I’m ready to go back to Formula 1 again », assures the Madrilenian.
“Honestly, everything went very well. I can’t complain about anything in terms of my adaptation to the team. Since I moved to Italy until I met everyone at the factory and started building a team and a relationship with everyone, integration has been very good and I am very happy »Sainz reiterates.
“Now it is about maximizing results, which I am sure we will achieve as we spend more time with the team. It is our goal for the second half of the season », concludes.