Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz has conceded the Maranello team will not be in contention for a race win at the next round of the 2021 Formula One season, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix at the Baku City Circuit, despite the Italian side’s strong showing on the streets of Monte Carlo two weeks ago.
The Spanish driver finished second behind Max Verstappen in Monaco after picking up the mantle for Scuderia Ferrari when his pole-sitting team-mate Charles Leclerc had to pull out before the start due to an overhanging mechanical issue from his qualifying crash.
The Maranello team was a surprise pacesetter at the slower-speed, high-downforce track but with Baku a different challenge despite being a street circuit, Carlos Sainz warned: “We know Monaco is a very specific circuit and that’s not our level average for the season. Certainly, I think the car did well in Monaco and that is important [but] I think going to Baku still we are competing for the third place, and that is where we are at the moment.” – he said.
Mercedes had a rare off-weekend in the Principality with Lewis Hamilton finishing where he qualified in seventh and Valtteri Bottas retiring after his right-front wheel was “machined” to the axle, while Red Bull took full advantage, claiming the win with Max Verstappen, but it could have been a different story had Charles Leclerc been able to take the start and stay ahead of the Dutchman in the opening stint.
Asked if he believes any other circuits will suit Scuderia Ferrari as well as Monaco did this year, Carlos Sainz added: “I think it’s a pretty straightforward answer. Just look at the characteristics of Monaco and try to see which one is the most close to this. You will not find many, and even those circuits you may think of, it doesn’t mean we are going to be fighting for pole or fighting for a podium. I believe Mercedes and Red Bull still have an advantage on us. It will be very tricky to find ourselves fighting again for a pole position and a win, that’s why this weekend is also a tough one to swallow because you don’t know when the next chance will come.” – the Spanish driver concluded.
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