Sainz wanted one more win with Ferrari, claims the Spaniard after his dominant victory in Mexico City
With his Ferrari career nearing its conclusion, Carlos Sainz insisted after his dominant victory at yesterday's Mexico City Grand Prix that he had chased one more win with the Scuderia in the remainder of the season.
Carlos Sainz displayed impressive pace to secure pole position for the Mexico City Grand Prix, but he was picked off down to Turn 1, losing the first spot to reigning champion Max Verstappen.
After a safety car period brought out by RB driver Yuki Tsunoda, the Spaniard fought back against Verstappen to reclaim the lead. From there, he led all the way to the flag for his fourth career win and first in Mexico.
Reflecting on his emotional victory in front of his parents, girlfriend and uncle, the Spaniard said that he was not intimidated and irritated by the fact that he lost the lead at the start as he knew that there would be opportunity to regain the lead.
"I’m incredibly happy! I’ve been chasing another win since Australia and getting it here in Mexico makes it even more special, as it almost feels like a second home to me with the incredible support of the Mexican fans! My family is also here this weekend so I can’t ask for more
"We knew losing a position at the start could happen but regaining it quickly by diving down the inside into turn 1 was the key to the race. From there it was all about managing tyres and pace, a very smooth operation until the chequered flag.
"This second win in a row is a further testament to the work the team has done in recent months, we are getting closer in the Constructors’ Championship and we’ll fight until the end as a team. Congrats to everyone! On to Brazil!"
With his stint at Ferrari nearing its end, Sainz said that he wanted one more win with Ferrari which he delivered in emphatic style. Asked about his feelings, Sainz has acknowledged that he had expected Ferrari to be competitive at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
"Yeah, really special. I felt like this weekend was going to be a very good opportunity to win that race. And yeah, I had a very good feeling coming into the weekend. Also, obviously very determined to win it.
"I knew coming into it that we might have a chance to win. And I've been focused, been on it all weekend. On top of that, I knew my family was coming and my best friends, my girlfriend, a lot of people were here to support me.
"And I said maybe destiny has something ready for me this weekend, that my maybe last win with Ferrari can come in front of them with all the support that I had from them all this year and in a great podium, a great place like Mexico City. I've been driving well and I made it stick and you cannot imagine how happy and proud I am right now," the Spaniard concluded.
