Carlos Sainz, on pole position: “Beating Red Bull is the objective.”
The Spaniard, author of a sensational pole position in front of the tifosi, does not want to stop there. He now aims for victory tomorrow, even though he knows that Red Bull will be tough to beat.
The story is magnificent: a Ferrari driver achieves an incredible pole position at Monza in front of the tifosi during a period of absolute domination by another team. It was necessary to be there to see the crowd rise to their feet when Charles Leclerc set the fastest time right at the end of Q3. Everyone then sat back down a few seconds later when Max Verstappen surpassed the Monegasque and took virtual pole position.
But the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza simply exploded when Carlos Sainz crossed the finish line, snatching the pole position from Red Bull by thirteen thousandths of a second. The excitement spread all the way to the press room, where Italian journalists shouted their joy at Sainz’s achievement.
“This unexpected hero deserves all the honors after a perfect weekend so far. Leading the two final free practice sessions, the former McLaren driver has made Monza his home and emerges as the strongest of the Ferrari drivers. On a track where he came close to victory in 2020 (second behind Pierre Gasly), car number 55 aims to challenge the Red Bulls, as he explains to our colleagues from Canal+ after the session.”
« I could see on the screen that we had it, but I needed a 100% confirmation. When I crossed the line, I knew it was a very good lap and it would probably be enough to secure pole position. It was extremely close, a very fun session with many laps at the limit. I had a lot of fun. »
« Beating Red Bull on Sunday is my goal. I will approach it with a positive and optimistic attitude, as I always do, and believe that victory is possible. We will do our best and see where it takes us, but I am also being realistic. Max and Checo will probably be faster than us, and we will be under pressure throughout the race. »
Transforming pole position into a victory? ⚡️
Carlos Sainz will attack the #ItalianGP with a positive and optimistic mindset 💪💥#F1 pic.twitter.com/GNtbrBOLek
— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) September 2, 2023
