Carlos Sainz Credits Williams Experiment for Qatar GP Qualifying Success
Carlos Sainz has attributed his impressive qualifying performance at the Qatar Grand Prix to an experimental team strategy developed after a difficult outing at the Hungarian Grand Prix earlier this season. The Spanish driver qualified in seventh place at the Losail circuit, marking a strong position for the race ahead.
Carlos Sainz’s Performance Insights
Sainz’s performance over the weekend has been noteworthy. After securing a point in the sprint race, he expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Williams team. “I feel like we took another step in the right direction in qualifying,” he stated. His results reflect not only his driving skill but also the effectiveness of the team’s strategy.
Qualifying Highlights
- Qualified 7th position.
- Achieved a time of 20.2 seconds in Q2.
- Felt he maximized the potential of his car.
Sainz noted that the weekend’s success was unexpected. “If you would have told me before the weekend, I would not have believed it,” he remarked, emphasizing the team’s solid performance thus far. His three qualifying laps showcased his capabilities, especially given a scare involving potential damage to the car’s bodywork.
Experimental Set-Up in Qatar
The decision to use the Qatar Grand Prix as a testing ground was strategic. Recognizing the challenges of this circuit, Sainz and his team viewed it as an opportunity to learn and refine their car’s setup. “This year has been about learning and trying something different in Qatar,” he explained.
Through simulator testing and collaboration on ideas, the team aimed for a successful baseline setup. “Right from the get-go, it was working well this weekend,” he noted, highlighting the confidence gained through this experimental approach.
This proactive methodology has proven beneficial, granting Sainz and the Williams team valuable insights and fostering a spirit of innovation as they prepare for the race.
