Sainz rates Ferrari chances for Monza homecoming

Carlos Sainz has insisted he expects Ferrari to improve its form for the Italian Grand Prix based on its Belgian Grand Prix performance.

The Scuderia was off the pace during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend as it failed to match Mercedes and McLaren having added no updates to the SF-23 on the return from the summer break.

Sainz finished fifth at Zandvoort despite driving what he claimed was only the "sixth or seventh fastest car", whilst Charles Leclerc's own struggles - including early contact and a botched pit stop - have left Ferrari open to a chastening return to action in front of the passion of the Tifosi at Monza.

Optimism will be taken from the podium Leclerc picked up at the Belgian Grand Prix before the summer break, whilst pole for the Monégasque last season will provide further hope for a positive home result this weekend.

Sainz gives Monza expectations

Rating Ferrari's chances at Monza, Sainz told media including RacingNews365.com: "I think we should be back to a decent place.

"I know it sounds positive or optimistic right now, but our performance swings this year are so high that we could also be looking at being back to the second or third fastest car in Monza in front of the Tifosi, especially after such a good result in Spa.

"I'm more optimistic about that and glad that in a tough weekend [at Zandvoort] we still managed to finish in the top five."