Carlos Sainz blames Max Verstappen and Lando Norris for getting the ‘worst’ of US GP start
Carlos Sainz highlighted that his race could've been different if not for the battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at the start.
Follow Us
Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz, and Lando Norris (images via IMAGO)
The US GP was one of the most exciting races of the 2024 season. Charles Leclerc took a stellar victory for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz coming home in second place. However, the Spanish driver has revealed that his start was compromised due to Max Verstappen and Lando Norris.
Sainz started the race behind Verstappen and Norris. The two drivers battled against one another for the lead at Turn 1. This seemingly left no room for Carlos Sainz who slipped down to fourth place. On the other hand, Charles Leclerc took the lead of the race during this chaotic start.
After the race, Carlos Sainz claimed that he knew the start would likely dictate the course of the race. The 30-year-old predicted that Max Verstappen and Lando Norris would be pushing at Turn 1. Unfortunately, Sainz was at the receiving end of this battle and lost out the most on the first lap.
I knew a lot of the race would get decided at the start, I knew Lando and Max would go hard and unfortunately I got the worst of it.
Carlos Sainz said post-race
Carlos Sainz: Obviously, first of all congratulations for the whole team that puts us in the fight for the constructors'. I knew a lot of the race would get decided at the start, I knew Lando and Max would go hard and unfortunately I got the worst of it.
— Junaid #JB17 (@JunaidSamodien_) October 20, 2024
Carlos Sainz forced to ‘settle’ for P2 in Austin
Sainz managed to overtake Verstappen and Norris over the course of the race. However, the Spaniard did not have the pace to catch up to his teammate. Carlos Sainz admitted that he had to settle for second while Leclerc led the team’s first 1-2 in the US since 2006. Nevertheless, the 30-year-old emphasized that it was an enjoyable race due to low tire degradation.
I had to settle for P2 but that is still a good race. How little deg we have is something I enjoy, and makes me enjoy racing. We can just go on attack mode and just push and overtake, which is just fun.
Carlos Sainz added
Certainly, Carlos Sainz would’ve preferred to win the US GP instead of Leclerc. Though, the Spaniard would be content with this result and would push himself to the limit in the last five races. Sainz aims to win one more race with Ferrari before parting ways at the end of this season.
Stay Updated!
Armaan Agarwal
(2308 Articles Published)