Formula 1 | Sainz: I could have been in the top 5

Carols Sainz will start 15th in Saudi Arabia after a poor qualification, but he thinks he can return to the race on the Jeddah circuit.

The Spaniard got it wrong in Q2, he lost the rear of the Ferrari SF21 and despite regaining control of his car, he slightly damaged part of the rear wing touching the wall, forcing him to return at the pits seven minutes from time.

The mechanics had to debate to see which was the best option, whether to repair this part or return to the track. The decision seemed clear enough with little time remaining but Sainz returned to the fault, the car uncontrollable.

“I was going really fast in Q1 and all weekend I was very confident with the car. Unfortunately, with the medium tire, it didn’t react as it should on the front, there was too much load and that made the rear wiggle a lot. « 

« I lost the rear and at the same time I was lucky, I was able to save my F1 … but I touched the rear wing a bit and it was no longer possible to improved. »

« I tried to do a lap after that, I did a very fast first sector until the aileron was completely broken, and it’s a shame, because today was a day to switch to Q3 easily. I could have placed in the top 5, at Charles’ level. « 

The Spanish driver will therefore start from 15th place.

« Overtaking here is difficult but that’s how it is. I have done very well in the past by doing lifts, so all is not lost. Today it was easy to make mistakes, this trail surprises you very quickly, but it could happen to others tomorrow and I will try to take advantage of it. « 

Video – The 2021 Saudi Arabian GP starting grid: