Carlos Sainz has identified one of the "biggest struggles" he has faced in the Ferrari SF-23 since the start of the season. It is known that the car carries over many of the same traits as last year's F1-75, with Sainz admitting that it has been tricky to follow in the 'dirty air' of another car. "I haven't done two good qualifying [sessions] yet, but the feeling with the car is okay," he told media, including RacingNews365.com . "I think the biggest struggle has been the car in dirty air, and the first stint in Bahrain and first stint in Jeddah." Since introducing the new regulations in 2022, Formula 1 has moved to limit the amount of turbulent 'dirty air' that a car produces to enable closer racing. But teams have since found ways in the regulations to exploit the rules, which is bringing back the phenomenon . Sainz adds that it is becoming a problem with the SF-23, as it leads to more overheating issues when trying to follow closely. "It's just very difficult to follow at the moment with this car and as soon as you get dirty air we have an overheating problem, which is even more higher when we follow a car," he explained.
Sainz: Have not hooked up a proper lap in this car yet
The Spaniard says that he has not yet "hooked up" a proper lap in the car in qualifying, having been outqualified on both occasions by team mate Charles Leclerc. He added: "Otherwise the feeling in free practice is always good, I just haven't hooked up laps in qualifying yet with this car. But this doesn't worry me as the season goes on and as I improve upon my feeling, it will come. "At least I've stayed relatively consistent in the race, I am bringing the points even if it's not the right points and wanting to be on the podium, wanting to be fighting for wins. "We are not there yet as until we are there. It's time to bring the points and get our heads down on the development."
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