"They’ve been a step ahead": Carlos Sainz admits to McLaren's better form as Ferrari faces tough challenge with Leclerc's grid penalty
Carlos Sainz, driving his final race for Ferrari, finished P3 in the qualifying session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, two tenths behind McLaren's pole winner, Lando Norris. Given the difference in final timings, the Spanish driver acknowledged that McLaren is a step ahead in terms of performance and overall pace of the car. Moreover, with Charles Leclerc's 10-place grid penalty, Ferrari's constructors' title campaign is likely to take a hit.
Ferrari, currently trailing McLaren by 21 points in the constructors' title race, received a huge blow on Friday as Leclerc was hit with a 10-place grid penalty for a battery change. The pressure mounted on the Italian team in the qualifying session on Saturday as both Leclerc and Sainz battled toe-to-toe with McLaren drivers. However, the Monegasque was knocked out in Q2, finishing P14 with a lap time of 1:23.833.
Sainz, meanwhile, had a flying lap in Q3 to secure P3. He lagged two-tenths behind pole winner Lando Norris and only a couple of hundredths behind Piastri. However, the Spaniard stated that McLaren had superior performance compared to Ferrari. Talking to F1 TV, Sainz said that McLaren appears a step ahead. He added that he pushed the car to its extreme in the qualifying session, but McLaren managed to beat him.
"I think we made good progress across the weekend, but McLaren have been a step ahead. Still a race to do tomorrow, but we will do everything to try and win the race," said Carlos Sainz.
For his final race with Ferrari on Sunday, Sainz will aim to give it his best shot. With nothing to lose, the departing Ferrari driver is committed and determined to put his best foot forward.
"I'm going to give it anything, I was pushing in qualifying like never before, the same tomorrow as it might be my last chance of a win. Nothing to lose," he added.
While the Italian team hasn't won a constructors' title since 2008, McLaren is also aiming to end a 26-year title drought.
Carlos Sainz eyes a fairytale goodbye with Ferrari
As Carlos Sainz prepares for his final spin in the iconic red suit, he stated that winning the constructors' title would be the perfect goodbye to his 4-year-long tenure at Ferrari. While the task of dethroning McLaren is steep, the Spaniard told F1 TV that he has enormous faith in Ferrari's progress throughout the Abu Dhabi GP weekend.
Sainz also expects a close battle between McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes, as the margins in the qualifying session were minimal. Moreover, given the unexpected results the past few weekends have produced, he is confident that a positive race will produce fruitful results.
"To say goodbye with a constructors’ title, I think, would be the perfect sign off, the perfect goodbye. I am also honest with you saying that it’s still not a long shot, but it is a difficult one. I think it’s honestly very tight between us, but not only between Ferrari, McLaren, but also Mercedes and Red Bull,” said Carlos Sainz.
While the Spanish driver is beaming with confidence, his teammate Charles Leclerc faces a tough challenge. With a 10-place grid penalty in place, he will begin the final race in Abu Dhabi from P19.