The Scuderia Toro Rosso team had a weekend to forget at the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with problems plaguing them throughout Free Practices and Qualifying, as well as a double retirement in the race.
Driver Carlos Sainz Jr started in twenty-first on the grid, and managed to get up to fourteenth before a collision with Jolyon Palmer spun him around, before a gearbox problem prematurely ended his race.
“I think it was a positive race up until the accident: I was racing in P14 after staring from P21, overtaking the Manors, Saubers and Renaults… So it was being a good, clean race, but it’s just a big shame that Palmer hit me from behind!” commented the Spaniard, who immediately after the collision was on the radio calling Palmer ‘an idiot’. “I was really enjoying myself and I’m also happy with the fact that we managed to recover well after what’s been a very challenging weekend.”
Sainz was obviously disappointed to go out early of the last race of the season, but on the whole was pleased of the performance of the team throughout the year – despite having the huge power deficit that came as a result of having to use the 2015 Scuderia Ferrari power unit.
“It’s just a pity that we were not able to finish the season seeing the chequered flag, but it’s been an amazing 2016 and I’m very happy and proud of my season overall. I take home 46 points, a number I would’ve never said at the start of the year!
“I think we can all be very pleased. I’m now very much looking forward to 2017! I’d like to thank the whole team for all the effort and hard work, it’s been an unforgettable year and we couldn’t have done it without each other!”
