Why did Carlos Sainz quit the 2023 Qatar GP?

Sainz was very confident going into the Qatar GP due to his recent performances.

Why did Carlos Sainz quit the 2023 Qatar GP?

Carlos Sainz (Via IMAGO)

Ferrari’s reliability has been often brought to the stand in the past two seasons. This, along with their strategies, has often left their fans aggravated. However, it seemed as if things were changing for the Maranello-based team in the past few races. From Carlos Sainz‘s podium at Monza to his win in Singapore, the fans finally saw a glimpse of the old Ferrari. However, they return to square one as they announce just one hour before the race that Sainz won’t even participate in the Qatar GP.

The reason for him sitting out is said to be an issue with the fuel system in his car. It is said that there was fuel leakage, so they had to rest the SF-23. Sainz was set to start from P12 but will now look at the race from the sidelines. He must have been frustrated as the Spaniard was having an exceptional run, and this is not how he must have wanted it to end.

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Ferrari will now only be running Charles Leclerc‘s car today. With his teammate not in the game, Leclerc will have twice the pressure on him to give his team good points. Leclerc’s form has been somewhat staggering in the past few races. This might be a good opportunity for him to bounce back amidst the tides in Ferrari turning towards Sainz.

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Times when Ferrari’s reliability issues costed the team in 2023

It is of no doubt that while Ferrari is the team with the most potential on the grid. However, their consistent questionable strategies and the SF-23’s reliability has been holding them back. While they have had a few big moments this year, their inconsistency has kept them from being on the top.

Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc (via ESPN India)

The first issue arrived in the first race of the season in Bahrain. The team had replaced the ECU and ERS battery that very day. However still, Leclerc had to retire his car due to an electrical issue. This in turn forced them to add a third control electronics part in his car for Saudi Arabia, giving him a ten-place grid penalty.

Due to sub-par tire management, engine problems and control unit issues, Ferrari will probably be dumping the SF-23 at the end of the season. Sainz not racing today can put a big dent on their P2 hopes for the constructors’ championship. Leclerc will be starting from P5 today, looking to take Ferrari as high as he can on the standings.

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