After reflecting on the incident-filled Qatar Grand Prix, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz revealed what prevented him from overtaking Pierre Gasly’s Alpina in the closing stages of the 57-lap race.

Ferrari had been expected to struggle for pace at the Qatar Grand Prix due to the track characteristics of the Lusail International Circuit. Although the team lost valuable points in the 19-lap sprint, Charles Leclerc picked up the pieces when Lando Norris received a ten-second stop-and-go penalty in the closing stages of the race to finish the race in a brilliant second spot.

His team-mate initially kept up with Leclerc, but as soon as the Monégasque increased his pace, the Spaniard slowly lost touch with his team-mate. Sainz then suffered a puncture after Valtteri Bottas drove over the rear-view mirror that was on the main stretch. As a result of the incident, the four-time F1 race winner lost valuable time as he crawled back into the pits.

Although the second safety car intervention helped Sainz reduce his gap to the front after his puncture, he finished down in P6 behind the Alpin of Pierre Gasly.

Reflecting on his race, Sainz failed to take many positives from the Qatar Grand Prix as he felt there was much more to extract from the weekend which had been expected to expose the weaknesses of Ferrari’s SF24.

“Obviously I’m not happy with the result of today’s race. We had a strong position but unfortunately I got a puncture and had to complete a full lap with a flat tyre.

“After the pit stop the Safety Car came out so the whole situation cost us even more time and in the end some crucial positions. Dragging the car for a full lap led to some damage and the car felt a bit off, which made it difficult for the final stints.

“That said, I’m happy that I managed to bring the car home and together with Charles’ podium we managed to score important points. We will fight until the last lap of the Abu Dhabi race for the championship, and hopefully end the season in the best way possible”, concluded the Spaniard.