Carlos Sainz claims Ferrari can fight for Dutch GP podium under one condition

Carlos Sainz has urged Ferrari to have a strong Qualifying at the Dutch GP.

Carlos Sainz claims Ferrari can fight for Dutch GP podium under one condition

Carlos Sainz (Via IMAGO)

Carlos Sainz has had an underwhelming 2023 F1 season. The Spanish driver has failed to fight at the front of the grid as Scuderia Ferrari fell behind rivals at the start of the year. However, the Scuderia has been bringing steady upgrades throughout the season. Now, Sainz has revealed what Ferrari needs to do to secure a podium finish.

The 28-year-old mentioned that Maranello still does not have a complete understanding of the issues that have persisted on its car in 2023. Sainz highlighted the team is trying to negate this unpredictability of the SF23. However, the Spaniard was confident they could indeed make gains in the race after a strong Qualifying. He said, as reported by Soymotor, “They are things that we cannot predict well and that lack of understanding is what we are working on.”

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Carlos Sainz clarified that the team needs good results in Qualifying at the Dutch GP. The Spanish driver was confident that Ferrari could hold on to a good Quali result in the race and perhaps bag a podium finish. The 28-year-old explained, “If we make a good lap on Saturday, we can hold on and get a podium if we don’t have too much trouble.”

Discover: Who has the most Dutch GP wins?

Carlos Sainz chasing his first podium finish in 2023

Carlos Sainz, 2023 British GP (image via Scuderia Ferrari Fans)
Carlos Sainz, 2023 British GP (image via Scuderia Ferrari Fans)

Despite having one of the fastest cars on the grid, Sainz has failed to get a single podium this season. The Ferrari driver came close to securing a Top 3 finish at the Australian GP, but a late penalty forced him down the order. On the other hand, Charles Leclerc has bagged a couple of podiums so far, along with a pole position at the Azerbaijan GP.

The 28-year-old might be feeling the pressure to step up his performances in the rest of the year. Sainz’s contract with Ferrari runs out at the end of 2024. As such, Carlos Sainz would need to deliver results if he wants to stay at Maranello as an equal to Leclerc. However, the Spanish driver has already been in contact with Audi for a potential switch to Sauber in 2025.

Thus, Carlos Sainz has named the one condition that can allow Ferrari to get a podium at the Dutch GP. The 28-year-old emphasized on the need for a good run on Saturday to ensure a good starting place for the race. Subsequently, the Spanish driver could retain his position in the race. Although, it remains to be seen how things go for the Scuderia at Zandvoort.

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