Carlos Sainz's regret after qualifying: "I encountered traffic, could have done more"

Carlos Sainz’s regret after qualifying: “I encountered traffic, could have done more” | 2023 Monaco GP. Carlos' regret after qualifying.

A missed opportunity
Carlos Sainz’s fastest time in the first practice session for the Monaco Grand Prix had generated a sense of optimism and hope within the Scuderia Ferrari camp for a potential pole position in qualifying, which was ultimately dashed by Max Verstappen’s impressive final lap. However, despite the reigning champion’s performance, qualifying was not particularly positive for the Spanish driver of the Maranello team.

5th place behind Esteban Ocon
Initially, the Spaniard was even at risk of a shocking elimination in Q1, but the number 55 eventually finished in 5th place in Q3, behind a surprising Esteban Ocon. While waiting for the decision of the Race Direction, which could penalize Carlos Sainz’s teammate Charles Leclerc for impeding Lando Norris (as the Monegasque driver hindered the McLaren man in the tunnel during the British driver’s last Q3 run), Carlos Sainz could potentially move up to 4th place on the grid.

However, this promotion won’t bring true satisfaction to the Spanish driver.

Little satisfaction
In an interview with Sky Sport F1 at the end of the Monte Carlos quali session, Carlos Sainz commented on his feelings: “I think I was doing well,” he explained. “As always, qualifying is a bit stressful. The first run in Q3 was very good, but in the second run, I found Max Verstappen at turns 3 and 4, which compromised my lap. Then I encountered Tsunoda at turns 7 and 8, and finally Lando Norris in the last sector. I encountered quite a bit of traffic on my fast lap, and I think there was more potential in Q3. Having to pass three slow cars during the last push lap is far from ideal especially when things were so tight. I’m disappointed because the weekend had been quite positive up to this point. Anyway, we still have a chance to do well in the race tomorrow, so we’ll aim to use our good pace and the strategy to try and make up some places.” – the Ferrari man concluded.