Sainz: “I don’t know if Alex didn’t hear the radio message”

During yesterday’s qualifying, Carlos Sainz recorded the sixth-best time, but an operational error forced him to start with a worn set of medium tires because an extra new set was used yesterday. Knowing he was already at a disadvantage, his first stint was not the simplest: “I tried to survive the first stint. I had some damage at the start with Alex, then he made a mistake and I was able to overtake him again.”

But the Spaniard did not hide his frustration that his teammate overtook him again when the team’s instructions were to freeze the positions: « I don’t know if Alex didn’t hear the radio message, but he passed me again. » While the subject will obviously be discussed during the weekend’s debrief, he believes there’s no reason for resentment within his new team. « I just look stupid for getting overtaken while I was trying to play the good guy. » The operation still allowed Alex Albon to take full advantage of the virtual safety car and move up to fifth place, helping the team strengthen its fifth place.

He still managed to keep Charles Leclerc behind him despite his damage and worn tires. So it was not surprising that he was the first of the group to pit. It was then unfortunate that the virtual safety car allowed his direct rivals to gain a lot of time on him: « I fought well with them, but the damage meant I couldn’t stay in contact with them in the first sector because I didn’t have enough aerodynamic downforce. »

He attempted until the final corner to regain the advantage over Lewis Hamilton. Although there was contact between the two men, the Spaniard did not hold a grudge against the one who made him leave the Scuderia. Moreover, the stewards also decided not to penalize the Briton as they deemed it a simple racing incident.

From our special correspondent in Miami