Carlos Sainz: We have problems with the car this weekend

Ferrari’s best result during qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix was the sixth time of Charles Leclerc. His partner Carlos Sainz only showed the eleventh result and did not qualify for the final. The Scuderia admitted that due to the speed of the car we cannot count on a battle in the top three at the moment.

Charles Leclerc (6th): “We knew it would be a difficult day. The sixth fastest time in qualifying is our maximum and we can’t be happy with this result. The car lacks speed compared to its rivals and the team will continue to work day and night to reduce the gap. I am confident that our efforts will soon pay off.

The aim of the race is to maintain current positions and earn as many points as possible.”

Carlos Sainz (11th): “Of course I am not happy with how the weekend is going. Before qualifying I did a few laps on slicks, so it was very difficult to do everything perfectly during qualifying on such a difficult circuit.

“In the second session I got stuck in traffic in the fast part of the lap, which didn’t help either. I missed less than a tenth place to reach the final, which is unpleasant. Overall, we have problems with the car this weekend, but the points are awarded based on the results of the race and I will do everything I can to win back.”

Frederik VasseurTeam boss: “We were preparing for a difficult weekend in Zandvoort. Last year we had one of our worst races here. The track configuration doesn’t suit our car and we don’t have any new products this weekend. However, Charles took a good starting position, so we have a chance to fight for points in the race. However, it is difficult to count on a podium if nothing else happens.

It’s important to get as many points as possible, because we’ve seen teams have ups and downs this season, so even on difficult weekends like this it’s important to try to get the best result possible. There will be tracks ahead that suit us better, and we’ll finish the car soon.

“As for Carlos, it was more difficult for him because he didn’t manage to do a single lap on soft tyres before qualifying, and this proved to be a factor in a situation where the results were so tight – he was less than a tenth off qualifying for the final. I expect him to get back on pace quite quickly in tomorrow’s race. In the evening we will think about what we can do to help him with strategy and tyres.”