Ferrari can be satisfied with the result from the qualifying session for the 2021 Dutch Grand Prix, which at the end of a day that was far from easy. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz will start alongside one another on the third row at Zandvoort, as the Maranello team did an outstanding job in working on Carlos Sainz’s SF21 car in order for the Spanish driver to be able to take part in qualifying after the crash in the third practice session.
The car was only brought back to the garage twenty minutes after the end of the session and the mechanics immediately set about making repairs, succeeding in getting the Spaniard back out on track with just over 10 minutes of Q1 remaining. Carlos was immediately able to run at the same pace as his team-mate and both he and Charles made it through to the final part.
In the decisive stage of quali, the Monegasque driver was unfortunately unable to match the lap time he did in Q2 (1’09”4) and had to settle for fifth place with on the grid for tomorrow’s race, yet the potential had been there to line up the SF21 on the second row. Carlos will start the Dutch Grand Prix from sixth place, which means that both Ferrari drivers will begin the race ahead of their closest championship rivals, McLaren.
Ferrari Racing Director Laurent Mekies shares his thoughts on to the Maranello team’s qualifying performance at Zandvoort:
“First of all, I want to congratulate our mechanics for managing to repair Carlos’ car in time for him to take part in qualifying. It was by no means a given and they really did a great job. Having both drivers on the third row is a good team result.
Going into this race, we had said we wanted to get back to fighting for these places in qualifying and we have achieved our first objective of the weekend. Carlos did very well to immediately get a feel for the car after he had gone off the track. It was a shame Charles didn’t manage to get the place on the second row that was within his grasp, especially when you look at the fantastic lap he did in Q2. But it means he can do it again tomorrow! Now we are focussing on the race, which will be very tough. On a track where overtaking is complicated, the start will be even more crucial than usual. Furthermore, we will have to do a good job of making the most of any opportunity that comes our way on a track that does not forgive the slightest mistake.” – he explained.
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