Scuderia Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz feels both hopeful and cautious with his newest car following the first race of the 2024 season.
The Spaniard has managed the ‘best of the rest’ by finishing 3rd in a 57-lap-long Bahrain Grand Prix.
On his way to the 17th podium with the Italian outfit, Sainz passed his teammate Charles Leclerc on two separate occasions.
Sainz’s last season with the legendary team started with positive remarks in terms of car development.
“I felt really good out there today, the start wasn’t ideal but then managed the tyres well. Overtook two or three cars, then keeping up with the Red Bull which was a pleasant surprise. Good steps forward.”
The third place finisher observed that Ferrari’s decision to stay on hard tires paid off as Mercedes was slightly quicker than the Italian outfit on the softer range of tires.
“We had a very clear plan. With the hard [compound], we feel more comfortable. It’s a bit of a tricker tire with warm-up and front locking. But then we can push. We could play around with strategy today.”
Ultimately, Sainz complimented Ferrari’s upgrade of a high-speed area of the car, which should slightly reduce the gap to Red Bull in this area.
“Let’s see. It’s the first different circuit we go to so a surprise for everyone. I expect those that were good in the high speed to be good there. Our car has also improved in the high speed so hopefully we can be good there.”