Sainz reveals the reason of failing to overtake Gasly in Qatar

Reflecting on the incident-filled Qatar Grand Prix, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz revealed what hindered him from overtaking the Alpine of Pierre Gasly in the closing stages of the 57-lap race.

Ferrari had been expected to struggle for pace at the Qatar Grand Prix because of the track characteristics of the Lusail International Circuit. Although the team lost valuable points in the 19-lap sprint race, Charles Leclerc picked up the pieces when Lando Norris was hit a ten-second stop-and-go penalty in the closing stages of the race to finish the race in a brilliant second spot.

His team-mate initially kept up with Leclerc, but as soon as the Monégasque raised his pace, the Spaniard slowly lost connection to his team-mate. Sainz then endured a puncture after Valtteri Bottas ran over the rear-view mirror that laid on the main straight. As a result of the incident, the four-time F1 race winner lost valuable time as he crawled back into the pits.

Although the second safety car intervention helped Sainz reduce his gap to the front after his puncture, he finished down in P6 behind the Alpine of Pierre Gasly.

Reflecting on his race, Sainz failed to take many positives from the Qatar Grand Prix as he felt there was much more to extract from the weekend that had been expected to expose Ferrari’s SF24’s weaknesses.

“I’m obviously not happy with the outcome of today’s race. We were in a strong position but unfortunately, I got a puncture and had to complete an entire lap with a flat tyre.

“After the pit stop, the Safety Car came out so the whole situation cost us even more time and ultimately some crucial positions. Dragging the car for an entire lap led to some damage and the car felt a bit off, making things difficult for the last stint.

“That said, I’m pleased I managed to bring the car home and together with Charles’ podium we managed to score important points. We will fight until the last lap of the Abu Dhabi race for the championship, and hopefully finish the season in the best way possible,” concluded the Spaniard.