Carlos Sainz and the lap in Q2 « the toughest of his entire life »!
Eighth at the end of the qualifying session, the Spanish driver perfectly sums up the intense battle that reigns in the middle of the pack. Meanwhile, Nico Hülkenberg will start from 11th place. He will be able to choose his tires for the start.
Force India, McLaren, and Renault. Three names with very different histories but a shared destiny, at least this season. Every weekend, the six drivers from these three teams compete in a sort of mini-championship, without forgetting the Toro Rosso and Haas drivers who often add their two cents. Same story in Monaco. Despite an atypical track, the battle has even intensified! Slightly dominated by Nico Hülkenberg in qualifying this season (3-2), Carlos Sainz equalized in Monaco, fair and square. The Real Madrid football club supporter tells us about an absolute effort, which, however, began poorly due to steering problems.
« It was a very competitive session. After Q1, we had to react and change quite a few things on our car to get closer to the 1:12 mark » explains the Spaniard.
The former Toro Rosso driver continues by giving a very strong opinion. « My Q2 time was the fastest and most stressful of my entire life. I had a lot of work to do from the cockpit, as everything was happening very quickly. I had to give 110% in Q2 to beat them », referring to his mid-grid rivals. Less than two-tenths separated Carlos Sainz from elimination.
« Every time I do a good lap and see P12, I wonder how to find those extra tenths! It’s like this every time in the middle of the board during Q1 and Q2. »
However, a regret in Q3. The Spaniard might have been able to secure sixth place, which was clinched by Esteban Ocon.
« We got closer to the goal in Q2. We also did a good job in Q3, even though my second outing lap wasn’t the best. »
Fortunately, the main person concerned enjoyed the session. Hopefully, it will be the same for him tomorrow. Carlos Sainz will aim for a fifth points finish in 2018.
🇪🇸 Good Qualy in Monaco. 4/4 Q3 in my f1 career in this track. P8 tomorrow.
🇪🇸 Buena qualy en Monaco. 4 de 4 Q3 en f1 en este circuito. Saldremos p8 mañana. pic.twitter.com/AC6Bs29hh0
— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) May 26, 2018
Eleventh on the grid, Hülkenberg will have to be opportunistic in the race
After three consecutive seventh-place finishes, Nico Hülkenberg falls behind on Saturday. 14th in Baku and 16th in Montmelo on Saturday, the former Sauber driver this time missed Q3 by an unfortunate tenth of a second. Speaking to journalists, he cited bad timing in the traffic.
« It wasn’t the cleanest session in history » he said about it. His driving also faltered at certain moments: « I locked my brakes coming out of the Tunnel. I lost a bit of time, which cost me. »
Instead of brooding, the German still prefers to see the positive in his situation. Nico Hülkenberg will be the first driver to choose his starting tires. « At least we have flexibility in our strategy. We can play on that: we can still have a good day on Sunday! »
Alan Permane, Sporting Director for the Renault Sport F1 Team, also notes the characteristic of the upcoming race, referring to the very tight level between the mid-grid teams. « This could be one of the toughest races in Monaco in a long time. Undercuts and overcuts will play a significant role in the traffic. » Behind the battle in the top 5, it will also be important to watch what happens just behind…
From our special correspondent in Monaco
