Formula 1

Carlos Sainz Jr: “It’s being a very tough last two days”

1 Mins read
Carlos Sainz Jr - Credit: Lars Baron/Getty Images

Carlos Sainz Jr was disappointed to qualify on the back row of the grid for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Saturday after two days of troubles as his Scuderia Toro Rosso team tried to fix the issues with the rims and suspension of their STR11’s this weekend.

A lack of track time during the weekend so far for the Spaniard meant he went into qualifying on the back foot, and as a result could do no better than twenty-first on the grid, ahead only of Marcus Ericsson of the Sauber F1 Team.

“Honestly, it’s being a very tough last two days here in Abu Dhabi, which is a bit painful as I really wanted to finish the season with a clean weekend and enjoy myself,” said Sainz.

“The team has struggled to solve the problem regarding the rear of the car and, because of this, we haven’t had much track time unfortunately. We’re working hard and every time we do a change on the car it seems to be positive – the team has done a great job since yesterday.

“Obviously, this has conditioned our set-up and we’ve not had much time to develop it or get used to the track – something which is not ideal when you’re preparing for a race.”

Sainz is looking to enjoy the final race of the year on Sunday around the Yas Marina Circuit, and is looking to bring the car home and move forward from his grid slot to conclude the season in a positive manner.

“Tomorrow we are starting from very back on the grid but let’s see what we can do – I will definitely try and enjoy it, hope for no reliability concerns and follow a good strategy,” said Sainz. “Let’s go for it!”

13769 posts

About author
Long time motorsport fanatic, covering Formula 1 and the occassional other series. Feel free to give him a follow on Twitter at @Paul11MSport.
Articles
Related posts
Formula 1

2024 Australian Grand Prix - TCF Driver of the Weekend

2 Mins read
TheCheckeredFlag Driver of the Weekend is revealed for the 2024 Australian Grand Prix.
Formula 1

2024 Australian Grand Prix – What the Team Principals are Saying after the Race

7 Mins read
The ten Team Principals reflect on drivers performances at Albert Park during Sunday’s Australian Grand Prix, a race that saw Ferrari claim their first win of 2024.
Formula 1

2024 Australian Grand Prix – What the Drivers are Saying after the Race – Part 2

7 Mins read
Those who missed out on points in Australia reflect on their races, including Max Verstappen, who retired from a Grand Prix for the first time since the same event in 2022.