Sainz doubts back to back wins
Carlos Sainz is doubtful Ferrari can repeat its Australian Grand Prix heroics, tipping Red Bull to be back on form at Suzuka this weekend.
Despite Max Verstappen taking a fourth straight pole, Ferrari had great race pace around Albert Park and Sainz was able to pass the reigning world champion around the outside on approach to turn 9 before the Red Bull’s brakes exploded.
It was a win to remember, ending Verstappen’s near-record run of nine straight Grand Prix victories and arriving just a fortnight after the #55 removed his appendix and missed the Saudi Arabian race.
But with Ferrari only getting as high as fourth at Suzuka last year and Verstappen taking pole by six tenths and winning by 19s, Sainz believes victory will be much, much harder in Japan.
“It’s going to be a challenging track for us,” Sainz said.
“I think last year was one of our most challenging ones in reference to a Red Bull.
“I think we were seven or eight tenths off four or five months ago here, so it’s time to see where we are this year and see if we can be at least closer.
“I think the average (over the first three races in 2024) is still a couple of tenths of the Red Bull and we probably need an upgrade, especially in tracks like Suzuka to fight them.
“I think the job that the team has done this year is extremely good because the car is a very good step forward.
“We need more of the same if we want to go for the wins in tracks like maybe Japan.”
Victory at Melbourne did wonders to Sainz’s power at the negotiations table, being without a drive in 2025 due to the arrival of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari.
He admits the speed of conversations have increased since the success, with his signature in demand being the only driver to stop Max Verstappen from winning since Brazil 2022.
“I mean, talking obviously to a few because that’s what my management team and myself should do when I don’t have a job for next year yet, so, we’re talking to pretty much all of them,” Sainz updated.
“It’s just a matter of obviously going more into detail and seeing the more realistic options and what are the best options for me and for my future.
“I don’t have any news for you or nothing to say here today.
“The only thing I would say is that, yeah, obviously it’s time now to speed up everything a bit and hopefully we can get it sorted sooner rather than later.”
The opening practice session is about to begin at 13.30 AEDT.
Photo by Simon Galloway / LAT Images
2024 Japanese Grand Prix
Friday, April 5
Practice 1: 13.30-14.30
Practice 2: 17.00-18.00
Saturday, April 6
Practice 3: 13.30-14.30
Qualifying: 17.00-18.00
Sunday, April 7
Grand Prix: 15.00
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