F1 Pecking Order Predicted to Flip for Las Vegas GP
Carlos Sainz predicts a dramatic shift in the F1 pecking order for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, believing teams that struggled in Brazil will thrive due to the contrasting circuit layout. This could significantly impact the tight battle for Constructors' Championship positions, with Williams expected to gain and Racing Bulls potentially losing ground. Ferrari is also focused on addressing its car's specific weaknesses.
Carlos Sainz suggests that teams which struggled at the recent São Paulo Grand Prix are likely to find stronger form at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix, attributing the shift to the contrasting circuit layouts.
Why it matters:
Ferrari's Carlos Sainz offers a unique 'opposite' prediction for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, suggesting a dramatic shake-up in the pecking order compared to recent races. This insight is particularly relevant for teams like Williams, who are in a tight battle for sixth place in the Constructors' Championship, as it could significantly impact their performance and the outcome of this crucial part of the season.
The Details:
- Williams, which had a disastrous outing in Brazil, failing to score points for the third consecutive race, is expected to benefit significantly from the Las Vegas track layout.
- Racing Bulls, who performed strongly in Brazil, closing the gap to Williams to just 29 points in the Constructors' standings, might face a more challenging weekend.
- Sainz highlighted that the long straights and low-speed corners characteristic of the Las Vegas Street Circuit will likely favor cars that struggle on the more technical, medium-to-low-speed corners prevalent in Brazil.
- Ferrari, according to Sainz, is focused on improving its performance in long-to-medium, low-speed corners, which have been a consistent weakness for the team.
- The Las Vegas Grand Prix will be the first of the final three rounds of the season, followed by Qatar and Abu Dhabi, making every point crucial for teams vying for championship positions.
What's next:
While optimism surrounds Williams' prospects in Las Vegas, Sainz cautioned that the team might revert to its struggles in Qatar, a circuit that shares more characteristics with the São Paulo track. Ferrari, meanwhile, will continue its efforts to address its car's weaknesses, aiming for consistent performance across all track types. The unpredictable nature of the remaining races, especially with such contrasting circuits, promises an exciting conclusion to the F1 season.