Sainz unmoved by 'typical' Monaco crash

Carlos Sainz has labelled the crash that ended his Monaco Grand Prix Friday early a "typical miscalculation".

The Ferrari driver has struggled to match teammate Charles Leclerc in F1 this year, but made strides with a positive performance in Miami last time out.

His form has carried into the new weekend with Sainz topping the standings after first practice, threading his car through the principality's streets with ease.

But having circulated with the third fastest time after two thirds of the second practice session, Sainz clipped the inside barrier at the exit of La Piscine to break his suspension and leave him a passenger as his car careered into the outside barrier.

Sainz had earlier brushed the same barrier but was unable to escape mirroring the qualifying incident that saw Leclerc unable to take part in this race two years ago.

"It was a very small crash," explained Sainz.

"I clipped the wall on the inside of [Turn] 16, a typical Monaco miscalculation and a shame because I just gave the mechanics some extra [working] time.

"I have been on it all day and just a small miscalculation in one corner is not going to affect it."

Ferrari 'on the right track' for Monaco pole

Ferrari has targeted the Monaco GP as the first opportunity to bring an end to Red Bull's dominant run of victories, given the Scuderia's qualifying strength and the importance placed on Saturday at the event.

On whether he believed pole was achievable, Sainz replied: "We are on the right track to at least challenge for it.

"The Red Bull is still quick, they are still leading after today but we have been closer than any other weekend and we hope we can give them a run for their money.

"But it is still going to be tricky."