Sainz Expresses Pole Position Anguish After Las Vegas GP Qualifying
Carlos Sainz expressed disappointment after a 'pole-worthy' lap in Las Vegas GP qualifying, where he briefly held provisional pole before ultimately securing P3. The Williams driver highlighted the team's strong performance in wet conditions and reflected on the missed opportunity for their first pole since 2014, while also confirming his grid position after a stewards' review.
Carlos Sainz believed he had a pole-worthy lap during a challenging, wet, and slippery Las Vegas GP qualifying session, ultimately settling for P3.
Why it matters:
Sainz's near-pole performance in difficult conditions highlights Williams' potential in specific scenarios, especially in the wet. For a team aiming to climb the constructor standings, any strong qualifying result, particularly a near-pole, is a significant confidence booster and a testament to their car's capabilities under certain circumstances. It also fuels the narrative of a driver pushing the limits and extracting maximum performance, even when the car might not be a consistent front-runner.
The details:
- Sainz briefly held provisional pole in the closing stages of qualifying before Max Verstappen and eventual pole-sitter Lando Norris surpassed his time.
- Reflecting on his lap, Sainz stated, "It was a very good lap. I thought it was a pole-worthy lap." He noted that being the first car across the flag meant his P1 position was unlikely to last with faster cars still to complete their runs.
- This near-pole moment evoked memories of Williams' last pole position in the 2014 Austrian GP, where Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas secured a 1-2.
- Sainz's P3 was confirmed after stewards reviewed an incident in Q1 where he appeared to impede Lance Stroll. No further action was taken.
- Wet Weather Performance: Sainz felt the team was more competitive on extreme wet tires in Q1 and Q2, wishing the track had remained in that condition. He found the inters less optimal but still managed a strong performance.
- His teammate, Alex Albon, found the wall in Q1 and will start the Grand Prix from P16, emphasizing the tricky conditions and Sainz's strong individual performance.
- This P3 qualifying result is Sainz's second-best with Williams, following his P2 in Azerbaijan earlier this season, where he converted it into a podium finish.
What's next:
Sainz will start the Las Vegas Grand Prix from P3, giving him an excellent opportunity to fight for a strong points finish, potentially even a podium, given his previous success from similar starting positions. The race conditions, particularly if there's any lingering dampness or unexpected weather, could play into Williams' perceived strength in the wet. How he manages the opening laps against faster cars will be crucial for maintaining his track position and capitalizing on this strong qualifying effort.