McLaren Formula 1 Team’s Carlos Sainz Jr. is pleased with his and the team’s performance during this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, which saw the Spaniard claim fifth place at the chequered flag.
Qualifying eighth set Sainz up for a promising race at the Red Bull Ring. A strong start off the line saw him try to overtake BWT Racing Point Formula One Team’s Sergio Perez in the first lap of the race following by an attempt to pass Scuderia Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on the following lap.
Throughout the rest of the race Sainz managed to maintain position inside the top 10 enjoying battles with the likes of four time champion Sebastian’s Vettel, whom the Spaniard is set to replace at Ferrari. The pair touched on lap 31 as Vettel locked up while failing to make a pass on the McLaren of Sainz.
Finishing the race fifth overall cemented one of McLaren’s best ever points finishes, with Sainz’s teammate Lando Norris finishing ahead in third place – his first of his F1 career.
Rounding up the first race of 2020, Sainz said, “First of all, congratulations to Lando for his first podium in F1 and to the whole team for a well-deserved strong first weekend in 2020!
“From my side, overall a good race and a good comeback on the last stint. In general, it was an interesting race with several Safety Cars and many good battles on track. I’m looking forward to racing again here in seven days.“
With a similar mindset to his teammate Lando, Sainz is looking forward to a second race at the Red Bull Ring, hoping the team can repeat the performance of this race, next weekend as the circuit plays host to the Styrian Grand Prix.
Sainz added, “There are good opportunities and it can be important for the rest of the championship. Time to keep focused, prepare well for next weekend and go again!”