Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz has highlighted his “prime 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 apply throughout final yr’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 apply 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 apply session may start. Ferrari, in the meantime, confronted a big restore invoice for damages brought on by one thing totally outdoors their management.
Now, because the occasion returns for its second version, Carlos Sainz stays clear about his most important want: a weekend freed from any such unexpected drama. Reflecting on the chaos of final yr, he careworn 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 yr,” Carlos Sainz defined within the press convention for the Las Vegas GP. “I hope that every part’s mounted this yr, as a result of I feel will probably be so much higher for the race and for everybody and clearly for all of the drivers for security.”
Final yr, Carlos Sainz confronted a double setback when the unexpected injury to his Ferrari pressured him to make use of components 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 absolutely 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’ve got a whole lot of completely different variables that we’re usually not used to, and a whole lot of challenges forward, like they have been final yr.” – the Ferrari driver identified.
Looking forward to 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 sturdy performances, his final purpose 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 mentioned. “I feel we’re within the combine. On the identical time, McLaren have an excellent buffer to play with and two very sturdy drivers to get factors each weekend and particularly they’ve three tracks coming the place there’s no cause why they couldn’t be additionally the quickest automotive.” – he defined.
“So to beat them might be extraordinarily robust, however a terrific 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 yr, and handle to log out the season with that championship, can be an effective way to place an finish to this cycle in Ferrari for me, and one thing that I’d be extraordinarily pleased with and the proper ending.” – the long run Williams driver concluded.
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