Carlos Sainz reacts to P3 at Suzuka: “I thought a podium would be difficult”. Carlos Sainz comments and impressions after P3 in Japanese GP.

Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz speaking after finishing third at the 2024 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix:

“I had a good race. I’m very happy because it was quite tough out there with the degradation but then the clouds came and the degradation went a lot lower and I thought one-stop was quicker and we were on the two. I had to overtake a lot of cars out there. Overtaking was tricky, like always at Suzuka, you need to nail the last chicane to get a good run into Turn One. I could finish my moves but it was tough out there.” – the Ferrari man explained.

On whether he thought the podium was possible after pitting and coming out behind Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc:

“I thought it was on but thought it would be very difficult to get back into third given how tricky it was to overtake the Mercedes in the second stint and how difficult it was to follow. I knew I needed a very big delta to approach Lando and Charles. In the end, we managed it. I was quick on the hard tyre. I really liked how the hard tyre gave me a feeling to push and I got the moves done and got the podium.” – Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz concluded.

Here is the first interview of Carlos Sainz after the Suzuka race:

If video is not loading, please click here.