Alonso and Sainz line up in strong positions for the Spanish Grand Prix weekend
Carlos Sainz celebrated his second place on the starting line in Spain, acknowledging a battle for victory with Max Verstappen that would require the Dutch driver to make notable mistakes. The Spanish GP, held on home soil, was seen as a potential turning point for Ferrari amid the challenges the team faced this season. In front of a stadium full of enthusiastic fans, Sainz pledged to give his all to make the race a memorable showcase. The energy from the crowd was unmistakable, with supporters hopeful that the Barcelona race would mark a new chapter for the team as they pursued better results in the championship run-in. The start time for that important Sunday affair was set for 15:00 local time, and expectations were high for a dramatic, action-packed race going into the weekend.
Relating to
“This result was something I needed. Everything was very tight, track conditions were complicated. We passed Q1 and Q2 without any problems and in Q3 we had a great lap with one set of tires. One of the most demanding classifications I have faced in Barcelona. We’ve done that and we’re in the best position for tomorrow and we can focus on getting the most out of the race”, Sainz explained after the session, stressing the delicate balance required on a track known for its tight margins and evolving grip as the session progressed.
[Clasificación del Mundial de Fórmula 1]
“It was a very good lap. I felt that I drove well. There is always a decimal here or there, but I gave everything and pushed to the limit. We’re all in the same group this weekend. Second place is a solid starting point for today. I had a strong lap”, Sainz added, underscoring the challenging nature of the qualifying format and the constant tension between speed and control on a track that rewards precision.
Drawing extra attention, the team’s plans for the race began to take shape as Alonso and Sainz prepared to take the grid. Carlos thanked the fans for the courage they have shown since his arrival in Barcelona, recognizing how valuable their support has been in recent sessions. The energy from the stands helped lift the mood as teams pushed to maximize performance in a tight, highly competitive environment where every tenth of a second matters. The promise to deliver a strong result mirrored the commitment from the pit wall, which emphasized focus and consistency ahead of the main event.
Sainz also commented on the progress made with Ferrari’s updates to the car, noting the team’s progress and the ongoing process to understand a new setup. He stated that the updates represented a meaningful step forward and highlighted the effort required to fit them into a weekend that has proved difficult so far. With the car continuing to evolve, the driver emphasized that this phase marks the initial step toward deeper insight into the package and a better overall performance in future sessions.
️ @carlossainz55: “I wanted to have a strong qualifying in Spain. We managed to make the most of it” #SpainDAZNF1
— DAZN Spain (@DAZN_ES) June 3, 2023
[Calenario de la temporada de la Fórmula 1]
Looking back at the weekend, Leclerc faced an early exit in Q1, which prompted reactions about the car’s behavior in challenging conditions. The broader sentiment focused on the difficulty of driving with precision when the track thermals shift and the grip varies. The objective for Sunday’s race remained clear: maximize the start in a high-speed circuit, push for a podium, and keep an eye on potential opportunities should unusual events occur for rivals. The team’s overall assessment pointed to a weekend that, despite its hurdles, contained clear signs of improvement. The drivers committed to extracting every ounce of performance as the race approached, aware of the delicate balance needed to navigate a variety of pace and tire strategies across the laps.