Carlos Sainz reflected on his cautious approach during the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday, where he secured third place after a challenging 2023 race at the same track. Last year, Sainz's car was damaged during practice when it hit a loose drain cover, which lifted and caused significant damage to the car. This led to a 10-place grid penalty for the Spaniard, adding to his frustrations in the inaugural race.
Heading into this year's event, Sainz was determined to avoid a repeat of his misfortune, keeping a keen eye on the manholes and drain covers as he raced through the streets of Las Vegas. Despite the haunting memories of last year's incident, he focused on securing a podium finish, stating that he was happy to take third place as a reward for his careful driving. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, finished just behind in fourth, expressing dissatisfaction with the team's strategy during the race.
Ferrari's performance, however, was not without its flaws, as Sainz noted mistakes in their radio communications and pit stops. The team kept him out a lap longer than intended on the medium tyres and two laps too long on the hard tyres, which hindered his ability to compete for a better finish. Leclerc, frustrated with the strategy, voiced his displeasure over the team radio, reflecting a sense of missed opportunity for the Scuderia.
As Ferrari closed the gap to McLaren by 24 points in the Constructors' Championship with two races remaining, Sainz acknowledged the need for improvement. He emphasized that the team would learn from their mistakes and focus on performing better in future races, particularly in Qatar, where they aim to get back on track and deliver a more competitive showing.
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