F1 Spa, Carlos Sainz knocked out at the start
Formally, Scuderia Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz’s race at the 7.004-kilometre Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot lasted for 23 laps. Substantially, however, the Belgian Grand Prix ended for him at turn 1, due to a collision with Oscar Piastri, as the Australian tried to surprise the Ferrari driver on the inside of La Source, which proved fatal for both of them.
Carlos Sainz’s SF-23, caught in the “sandwich” between the McLaren driver and Lewis Hamilton at the start, suffered damage to the right side that compromised its performance and pace. Considering Charles Leclerc’s podium finish, it is reasonable to assume that car #55 had the potential to contend for a podium spot alongside his teammate and Lewis Hamilton. Thus, it is normal for him to leave the Belgian circuit with a great deal of disappointment.
Carlos Sainz’s words
“It’s a shame because today we had the pace, and we saw it with Charles throughout the weekend. It was unfortunate not to have had the opportunity to compete in the race. An incident like that in turn 1 is quite annoying. We had good pace throughout the weekend, even with the intermediate tires. We performed well on dry conditions compared to the last two weekends, and that makes us optimistic to continue this way in the second half of the championship. Today, Charles had Hamilton under control, which we couldn’t do in the last two races,” these were his comments expressed by the Spanish driver at the end of the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa.
The turn 1 incident
“I didn’t have a bad start; I tried to overtake Hamilton at turn 1. I had passed him, but Oscar’s move was an error of inexperience. I was on the attack with Lewis and I think I pretty much had the move done into turn one. I hit the apex cleanly and everything. If you look at the last 7-8 years here, everyone who tries to go on the inside of turn 1 ends up in an accident, but I don’t want to blame anyone or accuse Oscar,” added the Monegasque to Sky Sport F1. “It was a racing incident, and this time it happened to me. At some point someone needs to back out. He’s the guy who is alongside my rear-right that I think needs to back off the move and not me and let him pass me into turn one, especially when I’m pretty much having my move done with Lewis.” – the Ferrari man pointed out.
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Half the race with the “torn” Ferrari
Carlos Sainz raced for over half of the race with a considerable hole in the right side of the car. Despite losing a lot of time, the Spanish driver stayed on the track. After the race, he explained why: “A red flag would have allowed us to repair the car, and there would have been an opportunity with possible rain. It was a shame not to have had this possibility. I’m very annoyed not to have been part of the fight today because the car seemed to be stronger.” – Carlos Sainz concluded.
