Carlos Sainz post-quali verdict: “We know why Ferrari isn’t quicker here” | 2024 Japanese GP. Carlos Sainz comments after P4 in qualifying for Japanese GP.

Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz, fresh from his triumph at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne, Australia, two weeks ago and once more the top qualifier for the Maranello team, shares his insights on why fourth was the peak achievable position for him on the grid this time in Japan and expresses his anticipation for a tightly contested podium fight tomorrow at the Suzuka circuit:

“Especially after FP3 we saw we didn’t have the pace as FP1 and we thought it was going to be a tougher weekend.” – the Spanish driver pointed out at the end of the qualifying session for the 2024 F1 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka – “We actually made a good step in qualy, it’s just Lando two tenths in front for P3 is too big for Suzuka, normally the gaps are very, very tight. Two tenths was too much. But I did some very good laps in this qualy and I was happy with my performance. It’s still a track where the Ferrari is not the fastest car around and we know why. – he added.

“We have been better on the race pace this weekend but I don’t know if it will be good or bad. I hope we can fight them [McLaren] in the race because in qualy it was impossible. In the race it would be nice to have a fight for the podium between Lando, me, Fernando, Merc behind. It should be an interesting battle for the podium, I think the Red Bulls are unfortunately in a different league around here.” – Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz concluded.