Carlos Sainz tested Ferrari’s new floor at Monza, unexpectedly competing with McLaren, hinting at potential for future races.
Carlos Sainz was surprised that Ferrari could compete with McLaren F1 at Monza. The Spanish driver expected better than at Zandvoort but did not anticipate keeping pace with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri early in the race.
“We were in a real fight with McLaren,” said Sainz. “I think at Monza, the slipstream makes a small difference, and I think I lost the slipstream on the 15th lap when they pitted, and I really felt how slow you become without it.”
“I found myself in the middle of nowhere with Lewis in my wake, matching my pace, but I honestly believe we were in the race with McLaren, which was very nice to see.”
“At the same time, it’s Monza and a very unique Monza; we will have to wait to see more normal circuits to find out if this improvement has really changed our season and whether we are going to fight for wins from now on or if we are going to return to what we saw at Zandvoort.”
Sainz is questioning the role played by the new floor and admits that answers will not come quickly as F1 heads next to Baku and Singapore: “We need more samples with this new floor, and we have to go to more normal circuits.”
“I think the next normal circuit is Austin because the ones coming up are very unique. Austin is closer to a more typical racing circuit, and that will let us know if we are good with this new floor.”
And Sainz thinks that the constructors’ championship is possible for Ferrari on this momentum.
“It’s decisive for the constructors’ championship because we are the team that has scored the most points (Ferrari took 37 against 34 for McLaren).”
“This means we have a great chance, not only to win more races this season but also to compete for the constructors’ championship.”
“I think if we manage to be fast on other circuits, it will be close with McLaren and Red Bull.”
“I would have liked to be on the podium.”
Sainz believes a podium was possible and admits it’s a slight regret for him. Nonetheless, he is pleased that his teammate Charles Leclerc triumphed, securing a victory for Scuderia in front of their devoted fans.
“It’s been an incredible weekend for me. It’s a shame not to be on the podium today, but at the same time, it felt a bit like a coin toss, whether to stay out or not, to get things right.”
“Charles and I live together with the team, and if I wanted to be in the fray, we probably should have stayed in the train with the cars ahead of us after the first pit stop.”
“We lost the chance to get on the podium, but honestly, I’m very happy to see the team win here this weekend. I would have liked to be on the podium with Charles, but I think he deserves the win more than anyone, so congratulations.”
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Sainz Tests New Ferrari Floor at Monza Sainz Tests New Ferrari Floor at Monza
