Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz finished the Monaco Grand Prix in second place. However, in an ideal scenario, the Spaniard could’ve done one better and won the race.

But Formula 1 hardly ever makes life easy and presents drivers with ideal scenarios. Although from an overall disappointing race, Sainz came back with a positive memory as he secured a P2 finish.

Carlos Sainz channeling happy memories from Monaco

Forget the podium finish, the Spaniard could’ve been out of the race on lap 23. However, he exhibited brilliant awareness and control to save his F1-75 from crashing into the wall.

Schumacher and Zhou pushed the leading group of Perez and Sainz together in lap 23. While lapping the Haas and Alfa Romeo duo, respectively, Sainz caught a wet spot on the track. This wet spot almost spun him around, which could’ve ended his race prematurely. Thanks to a bit of luck and a lot of skill, the Ferrari man saved his car.

Read More: More Trouble Awaits Carlos Sainz After Bizarre Sergio Perez F1 Incident at Monaco GP Qualifying

Recalling this incident, Carlos Sainz said, “When I think about it, I get in a good mood again, because actually my race should have been over there.”

He added, “I think I countersteered three or four times to control the car and I thought I was going to crash in the middle of the straight. That shows how much you drive at the limit in Monaco, especially in a race like this. You need maximum concentration, because every little mistake, every little moment off the ideal line, and you can end up in the wall.” (translated to English via Google Translate)

Had Sainz crashed, this would’ve been his third DNF in seven races. Luckily for him and Scuderia Ferrari, that wasn’t the case as the Italian team needs to gather maximum points each race week to stay in contention for the championship with Red Bull.

Sainz blames Latifi for his second finish

Sainz, who has been competing at the premier level since 2015, hasn’t managed a win yet. The Spaniard, however, could’ve ended this streak and clinched his maiden victory on the streets of Monte Carlo. But the Williams driver, Nicholas Latifi, denied him that chance.

Pointing fingers for costing him valuable seconds, he said, “I got stuck behind a lapped car [Latifi] on the out-lap. You can understand the frustration. I had to do 12 corners behind the lapped car, which cost me the win. I won’t complain too much. This sport is like that.” 

Watch this story: How A Euphoric Sergio Perez Hilariously Leaked His Red Bull Contract Announcement- At Monaco

Sainz won’t be brewing over that too much, as the Grand Prix gave him and everyone else a lot to ponder upon.