Sainz 5th again: « Thank you for this first half of the season »
For the second consecutive time, Carlos Sainz crossed the finish line in 5th place. Closely followed by Pierre Gasly during the race, the Spanish driver never faltered and managed to bring home significant points for McLaren once again.
One might almost believe that it’s becoming a habit. While Carlos Sainz’s fifth place in Germany was achieved under chaotic conditions, this time it was thanks to the pure pace of the MCL34 that the Spaniard clinched the same position.
7th after qualifying, driver number 55 was beaten for the 6th time this season by his teammate, Lando Norris, formidable in the time trial. But as often, the experience of the former Red Bull camp driver allows him to take the advantage in the race, particularly at the start. Even overtaking Pierre Gasly for 6th place. With Valtteri Bottas stopping in the pits to change his damaged front wing, the McLaren driver gained another place.
Then came an easy ride for Carlos Sainz who was never threatened and managed to bring his car home safely. The current leader of the midfield made sure to thank his team at the end of the race: « Thank you guys! Wow! Thanks for this first half of the season. We are off to a good start! »
This fifth place, synonymous with 10 points, allows McLaren to completely detach from the rest of the pack. As for the former Renault driver, he is only 5 small points behind Pierre Gasly, while 27 separate him from Kimi Räikkönen, his closest pursuer.
🎙️ Carlos to the team after his P5 finish: “Thanks guys! Wohooo! Thanks for the first half of the season. We’re on a run!” 👊#HungarianGP 🇭🇺 pic.twitter.com/1s1SjnIW49
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) August 4, 2019
