Carlos Sainz and that desire to be overtaken by Max Verstappen: “Want to switch?” | 2023 Mexico GP. Carlos Sainz jokes with Max Verstappen during the post-qualifying press conference in Mexico City.

An unexpected and perhaps even “undesired” second position: Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz jokes with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen during the post-qualifying press conference in Mexico City.

The start will be a crucial phase, even more so than usual, in the Mexico Grand Prix. The two Ferrari SF-23 cars start ahead of everyone and, with two cars, want to try to lead into turn 1.

The distance between the starting line and the first braking point is not short, and the opponent behind is one of those imposing figures. The approximately 800 meters that the Ferrari drivers will cover in Mexico, fearing a tricky Max Verstappen behind them, will be crucial for the race and strategy.

Over the years, the Mexican start has often shown that the front row is not a guarantee of an advantage, and sometimes starting from behind can be a golden opportunity to follow the opponent, especially when starting on the rubbered side.

In this regard, Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen joked during the post-qualifying press conference in Mexico. The Spaniard found it challenging to make predictions about the start: “I think it’s impossible to make predictions.”

“The only thing I can say is that I will probably start on the side that will likely be dirty. This factor here could make a big difference,” he explained. Then he shared his “almost hope,” joking, “I almost expected Max to beat me and allow me to start third. I would have had a better launch,” he said with a smile.

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Max Verstappen responded with a quip: “Want to switch?” and Carlos Sainz playfully replied, “You know, I’m considering the idea!”

“I think it will be an entertaining start into turn 1. I believe Max will go on the attack; we will all try to get a tow. It’s always a good brawl until turn 1 here,” Carlos Sainz concluded at the end of the qualifying session for the 2023 Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix.

Source: f1ingenerale