A one-two finish is the goal

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Pole place and third place. Ferrari arrived in Baku with a superb degree of confidence, fueling the ambition to be among the many weekend’s major contenders. Up to now, the crew hasn’t simply been among the many frontrunners however has been the crew to beat, thanks partially to Charles Leclerc, who as soon as once more excelled between the partitions of the Azerbaijani capital.

Nevertheless, Carlos Sainz additionally confirmed strong kind, securing third place only a tenth behind Oscar Piastri, permitting him to start out from the second row. Whereas different drivers managed to search out just a few further tenths between the 2 Q3 makes an attempt, the Spaniard may solely enhance his time by ten thousandths, dropping time within the exit of the citadel part.

Up till that time, Carlos Sainz had been absolutely within the battle for pole, dealing with the sequence of 90-degree corners between the tip of the primary and the start of the second sector excellently. Nevertheless, within the exit from that part, presumably as a result of higher rear administration over the course of the lap, his teammate discovered the margin to make the distinction within the center sector. The hole then widened once more on the principle straight, the place Leclerc gained just a few further km/h, additionally helped by the slipstream supplied by Carlos Sainz, who was just a few seconds forward of the Monegasque.

Carlos Sainz didn’t conceal the truth that he has typically struggled at this circuit all through his profession, which is why he’s in the end glad along with his third place on the grid: “General, we had a strong and high quality day with each vehicles,” mentioned the Spaniard after qualifying.

“I feel we’ve put ourselves in a fantastic place for tomorrow. I’ve by no means been tremendous quick on this observe in my profession. It’s a observe the place I are likely to wrestle a bit, so being in third is one thing optimistic for tomorrow. Additionally, my race tempo yesterday felt excellent, so we are able to purpose for one thing necessary tomorrow.” – he identified.

A vital side was the observe’s evolution, particularly within the early classes, which caught a number of drivers off guard, forcing even the highest drivers to make further laps on the finish of Q1 to keep away from elimination. Those that didn’t handle that essential lap, like Lando Norris, discovered themselves eradicated.

The #55 is waiting for tomorrow, believing he can enhance his place: “I feel I discovered one thing in Q3 that might’ve helped me in Q1 or Q2, however I’m pleased to start out from third,” he mentioned in a unique interview for Sky Sport F1. “Yesterday, I used to be among the many quickest within the lengthy runs, and I’m assured issues will go higher within the race. If we do a superb job tomorrow, we are able to purpose to win with Charles or with me, and a one-two end right here could be necessary for the crew and the constructors’ championship, the place we’re shut. Between the highest eight, there are at most two tenths separating us, so a small change in steadiness may put us forward of the others, and we hope it’s us. I’m assured we are able to do effectively tomorrow, and the primary aim is the one-two end.”

“This third place is certainly nothing particular, nevertheless it’s honest. I might’ve favored to be on the entrance row, however on this observe, I’ve all the time struggled up to now. It’s a type of circuits the place you’re not very quick from FP1 after which need to adapt: for Charles, it’s the exact opposite—he’s always very fast, and it comes naturally to him.” – Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz concluded on the finish of the qualifying session for the 2024 Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku.