Carlos Sainz believes that tyre degradation will be a key factor for the Dutch GP after qualifying in third. The Ferrari driver was unable to match Red Bull's Max Verstappen or teammate Charles Leclerc during the qualifying hour at Zandvoort. The Spanish driver was less than one tenth of a second away from Pole Position, and will start just ahead of the two Mercedes. Speaking after qualifying, Sainz seemed unable to immediately figure out where his deficit to the top two came from. "It was a clean lap with no mistakes, just missing that last half-tenth [of a second] to beat Charles and Max," Sainz told media. "It was on the limit out there, every little metre of track that you could use where you could push was counted. "It wasn't an easy qualifying from Q1, to Q2, to Q3, but I think in the end, we did a decent job."
Sainz: Many strategy options for race
Looking ahead to the race, Sainz explained that the relentless nature of the Zandvoort circuit was causing problems with tyres, something which he believes will open the door for 'many strategy options'. "It is very tough out there, especially with these heavier cars. The truck is especially demanding on the tyres," added Sainz. "We have a lot of overheating during the lap, even in the long runs, and a lot of degradation. "I think tomorrow is going to be an interesting day. There's going to be a lot going on, even if it's difficult to try to overtake. There are going to be many options with the strategies."
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