Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz has highlighted his “high precedence” for the upcoming Las Vegas GP: steering away from any points brought on by free drain covers, an issue that abruptly ended his participation in free observe throughout final 12 months’s inaugural occasion.
The 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix noticed a dramatic and extremely controversial begin when Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari SF-23 struck a free drain cowl simply eight minutes into the primary free observe session. The incident wreaked havoc on the automotive’s flooring, resulting in a purple flag and setting an ominous tone for the weekend.
The fallout prolonged past the observe, sparking outrage within the paddock and amongst followers who needed to go away the stands earlier than the second observe session might start. Ferrari, in the meantime, confronted a major restore invoice for damages brought on by one thing solely exterior their management.
Now, because the occasion returns for its second version, Carlos Sainz stays clear about his foremost want: a weekend freed from any such unexpected drama. Reflecting on the chaos of final 12 months, he burdened the significance of avoiding a repeat, each for the sake of the drivers’ security and the integrity of the occasion: “That’s my primary hope for positive, after what occurred final 12 months,” Carlos Sainz defined within the press convention for the Las Vegas GP. “I hope that every part’s fastened this 12 months, as a result of I believe it is going to be loads higher for the race and for everybody and clearly for all of the drivers for security.”
Final 12 months, Carlos Sainz confronted a double setback when the unexpected injury to his Ferrari compelled him to make use of elements past his allocation, relegating him to a disappointing twelfth place on the grid. Though he fought again throughout the race and completed in sixth, it was a small comfort for a Ferrari crew left annoyed by the flip of occasions. As he heads into this weekend, the Spaniard is set to keep away from a repeat of that chaotic expertise.
Now, as he approaches his third-to-last race with Ferrari, the Spaniard is hoping for a a lot smoother weekend. Nevertheless, he’s totally conscious that the extreme Nevada warmth will pose its personal set of challenges, making it clear that he should be ready for one more demanding race at the 6.2-kilometre Las Vegas Strip Circuit in Nevada, USA: “Wanting ahead to it. Chilly weekend and completely different observe than what we’re used to. Low downforce, low grip. So you could have a variety of completely different variables that we’re usually not used to, and a variety of challenges forward, like they have been final 12 months.” – the Ferrari driver identified.
Waiting for his closing races with Ferrari, Carlos Sainz has made it clear that his main goal is to assist safe the Constructors’ Championship for the crew. Whereas he continues to deal with delivering robust performances, his final goal is to contribute to a profitable marketing campaign that sees Ferrari clinch the coveted title, marking a becoming conclusion to his time with the Scuderia: “100% I consider we will do it and it’s inside attain,” Carlos Sainz stated. “I believe we’re within the combine. On the identical time, McLaren have an excellent buffer to play with and two very robust drivers to get factors each weekend and particularly they’ve three tracks coming the place there’s no motive why they couldn’t be additionally the quickest automotive.” – he defined.
“So to beat them shall be extraordinarily powerful, however an incredible problem to have forward and one thing that makes me excited additionally as a result of if we handle to get it on the finish of the 12 months, and handle to log out the season with that championship, could be an effective way to place an finish to this cycle in Ferrari for me, and one thing that I might be extraordinarily pleased with and the proper ending.” – the longer term Williams driver concluded.
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