“Carlos Had the Pace to Get on the Podium”: Frederic Vasseur Admits to Sacrificing Sainz’s Hopes for the Bigger Picture

With a whirlwind of penalties, heart-stopping overtakes, and nail-biting moments, Austrian GP delivered a dose of high-octane drama. The GP proved to be a roller-coaster ride for Carlos Sainz, who showcased exceptional pace and determination. Despite a strong performance, fate dealt a harsh blow to the Spaniard’s podium aspirations. Frederic Vasseur, made a bold strategic decision that left Sainz feeling disappointed and frustrated after the race. In a post-race revelation, Vasseur acknowledged that Sainz had the potential to stand on the podium but was sacrificed.

Carlos Sainz starting from P3, trailed closely behind his teammate, Charles Leclerc, before the first round of pit stops. However, a slow double-stack pit stop under Virtual Safety Car conditions resulted in Sainz losing valuable time and positions. Despite the setbacks, Sainz displayed exceptional defensive driving skills, skillfully defending his position against Sergio Perez. While he managed to regain P3, it was short-lived as Perez eventually overtook him. Sainz’s disappointment was evident as he expressed “I am not happy with fourth place, I have a very bitter feeling.”

Amidst the frustration, team principal Frederic Vasseur defended the team’s decision-making process. Vasseur explained that the team had predetermined their strategy, emphasizing the importance of supporting each other and maximizing points. According to Marca, Vasseur stated, “I suppose so, that possibly Carlos had the pace to get on the podium today, but for the team’s strategy, we didn’t care who was in front,”

“And also the start of the Virtual caught us by 10 meters outside the line, we cannot control everything what happens, like the start of a safety car, just that everyone does their best job.” [translated via Google] He acknowledged that unforeseen factors, such as the VSC period, played a role and emphasized that the team aimed to do their best given the circumstances.

Read More: Despite Harboring a “Very Bitter Feeling” Carlos Sainz’s Smashing Record Can Put Max Verstappen and Co. to Shame

Although Carlos Sainz missed out on a podium finish at the Austrian GP, his strong performance and exceptional pace demonstrated his potential. Ferrari‘s progress between the Canadian and Austrian races indicates a positive direction for the team.

Charles Leclerc was all praises for Carlos Sainz

Ferrari showcased their impressive recovery at the Austrian GP following a remarkable comeback at the Canadian GP, where both Charles Leclerc and Sainz started from P10 and above. Despite Leclerc’s struggles in the sprint and starting at P12, Sainz exhibited his determination with a commanding P3 finish. Notably, both drivers showcased exceptional performances, even in the face of significant tire degradation.

During the closing stages of the Austrian GP, Sainz engaged in an intense battle with Sergio Perez, allowing Leclerc to establish a comfortable lead. Leclerc expressed his admiration for his teammate, stating, “Carlos did a great job. I was aware Checo was coming, so I was trying to manage the hards. But Carlos made my life easier by putting up a strong defense. I could see it all on the screen, which was quite exciting.”

As Sainz continues to showcase his capabilities and Ferrari strengthens their progress, the question remains: Will Carlos Sainz’s much-deserved win come anytime soon?

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