Carlos Sainz has often been on the wrong end of chaotic situations or pivotal events in races. His zero podium appearances this year prove the same. The Spaniard has recently opened up about his frustrations and missed opportunities during the Austrian Grand Prix. The race not only showcased Sainz’s impressive pace but also revealed the team’s strategic decision to prioritize his teammate, Charles Leclerc. As Sainz candidly shares his disappointment, it becomes evident that his podium hopes were sacrificed for the betterment of the team.

In the Canadian GP, Charles Leclerc secured a commendable P4 finish, while Sainz closely followed in P5. This result stirred conversations due to team orders issued during the race. Leclerc was instructed that Sainz won’t attack him, showcasing a clear preference for maximizing the team’s result. Similarly, despite starting ahead, Leclerc’s performance was not superior to Sainz’s in the Austrian GP, leaving the latter probably feeling unjustly treated. However, a slow double-stack pit stop by Ferrari under Virtual Safety Car conditions cost Sainz valuable time and positions.

According to Marca, Carlos Sainz expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome, stating “It is not to be very happy because today there was race pace to be much more than fourth, so… everything that has happened after having played as a team in the first ‘stint’ and having endured behind Charles (especially at the start where he hasn’t even put his nose into Charles in his fight with Max) as we talked about before the race, and that he promised me with a ‘pit stop’ behind him, with the VSC that was ending, having lost six or seven seconds there, three positions that I later had to overcome, the penalty for the ‘track limits’.” [translated via Google]

Despite this sacrifice, Sainz faced additional setbacks, such as losing valuable time behind his teammate and encountering penalties for exceeding track limits. Nevertheless, Sainz showcased exceptional driving skills with impressive overtakes, defensive maneuvers, and helping his teammate Charles Leclerc.

“Carlos Had the Pace to Get on the Podium”: Frederic Vasseur Admits to Sacrificing Sainz’s Hopes for the Bigger Picture

Carlos Sainz’s unfortunate sacrifice at the Austrian GP

Amidst the chaos, Carlos Sainz showcased exceptional pace and determination, but fate had a different plan for his podium aspirations. Team principal Frederic Vasseur made a bold strategic decision that left Sainz feeling disappointed and frustrated after the race. Despite this setback, Sainz displayed remarkable defensive driving skills, fiercely defending his position against Sergio Perez. Although he briefly regained P3, Perez ultimately overtook him, leaving Sainz with a bitter feeling of disappointment.

Vasseur defended the team’s decision, emphasizing the importance of a predetermined strategy aimed at supporting each other and maximizing points. He acknowledged that Sainz had the pace to potentially secure a podium finish but stated, “for the team’s strategy, we didn’t care who was in front.” Vasseur also highlighted unforeseen factors, such as the Virtual Safety Car period, that influenced the team’s approach.

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While Sainz may harbor a bitter feeling over the sacrifice made for the team’s strategy, there is no doubt that his impressive record and determination have the potential to rival the likes of Max Verstappen.

WATCH THIS STORY | Is Carlos Sainz Looking to Move Away from Ferrari?