Carlos Sainz was frustrated not to have achieved a higher grid slot after qualifying in third place for the Canadian Grand Prix. With teammate Charles Leclerc out of the pole position battle due to grid penalties, Ferrari had just one car fighting it out in Q3. After showing front-running pace for the majority of the wet qualifying session, Sainz ultimately fell short in the final laps of the session, finishing behind Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Alpine's Fernando Alonso. Speaking afterwards, Sainz explained why he believed he couldn't convert a fast Sector 1 into a lap that challenged for pole position. "Today, I was feeling quite okay with the car, especially in the full wet," Sainz told Sky Sports F1 . "As the track was drying I felt like the others made a bit of a step and maybe I was within a couple of tenths. "In that lap, I think I was purple in Sector 1, then in Sector 2 I knew I had lost a bit too much and I just tried to do a very quick last corner that didn't pay out, and it cost me half a second. "I was just trying to go for pole and in the end I ended up in P3 because of that mistake."
Ferrari pin hopes on Sainz after Leclerc penalties
Both Ferrari drivers have been summoned to see the stewards after qualifying for driving unnecessarily slowly during the session. If they escape punishment, Sainz will start the race in third, with teammate Leclerc starting the race from the back row of the grid . Ferrari's hopes will primarily rest with Sainz if they are to limit Verstappen's progress at the top of the Drivers' Championship. Sainz added that he was optimistic about his race chances, but also warned that Alonso would not be easy to pass. "For the rest [of the weekend], I think we're in a good position for tomorrow. I think it's going to be a good fight with Max up front," Sainz commented. "Let's see what we can do with Fernando because he's been very quick all weekend."
Most read
