Carlos Sainz Reveals Ferrari’s Formula 1 Qualifying Gamble at Canadian Grand Prix
In a post-qualifying interview, Carlos Sainz shed light on Ferrari’s strategy to use new tyres earlier in Q2 at the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, citing a forecasted rain shower as the primary reason behind the decision. Unfortunately, the Italian marque’s gamble backfired, and both drivers struggled with grip, failing to progress into the top-10 shootout.
Sainz, who qualified 12th, one position behind Charles Leclerc, explained that Ferrari aimed to maximize the newer rubber as it anticipated precipitation that didn’t materialize. “We saw this shower coming, and we saw that potentially the track might be better at the beginning than at the second half,” Sainz disclosed. “Anyway, long story short, normally in any other track, running just at the end, we would have still made it to Q3 and we would be fighting for pole.”
Ferrari’s Formula 1 qualifying woes were unexpected, given the team’s superior compliance over bumps and kerbs, which inspired their win in Monaco. However, team principal Frederic Vasseur refused to attribute their struggles to the resurfaced track and cooler conditions in Montreal. “The new asphalt is the same for everybody,” Vasseur outlined. “I think the conditions are a bit extreme with the weather, with the drops and so on, and the cold conditions, and it’s probably difficult to switch on, but it’s not an excuse at all.”
Vasseur also downplayed the limited track time due to adverse weather on Friday, stating, “We all had the same time [on the track]. It means that the others, they were able to do the job and not us. That means that we have to do a better job.”
Despite the disappointing qualifying performance, Vasseur remains optimistic about Ferrari’s longer-run pace and the potential for rain to intervene in their favour. “Tomorrow the weather forecast is not very good,” he said. “It means that it could be a chaotic race and the race pace was okay. It means that let’s see tomorrow, we have to do the best in these conditions. When it’s not going very well, you have to be able to be opportunistic and to get the maximum of points.”
With the Formula 1 calendar set to unfold, Ferrari will be looking to bounce back from this setback and capitalize on any opportunities that arise. As the team gears up for the Canadian Grand Prix, they’ll be keeping a close eye on the weather forecast, hoping that the predicted rain will play into their hands and aid their recovery prospects.
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