“Carlos Sainz Praises F1 Competitor Ahead of Saudi Arabia Grand Prix”
As Formula 1 prepares for the second round of the season in Saudi Arabia, Carlos Sainz is optimistic about McLaren’s performance at the Jeddah Street Circuit. After a challenging first race in Bahrain, the Spanish driver believes the walking gear can move closer to the front.
“We look at the differences first,” Sainz said of the race in Saudi Arabia. “We have this new car for 2024, so everyone will be a bit surprised by our results. I hope that a car like McLaren, which did so well on the high-speed circuit last year, can be competitive there.”
McLaren finished 15th and 17th in last year’s Jeddah race. However, Sainz believes that improvements to this year’s car could result in stronger performance. Teammate Lando Norris had similar expectations, insisting the fast track was good for the team.
“A little bit of high speed, a little bit of medium speed, which usually works in our favor,” Norris commented. “There will still be challenges that we will work on. It’s a track that needs to get better for us. I’m excited.”
The new MCL38 car presents challenges and uncertainty, but Sainz and Noris are optimistic about its performance compared to last season. McLaren hopes to capitalize on the high-speed tracks where it has shown strength in the past.
While Sainz emphasized his expectations for McLaren, team-mate Oscar Piastre admitted that the start to the season was promising, but noted that Red Bull and Ferrari had the upper hand.
“It’s a better way to start the year than last year,” Piastri said. “We’re very close to Mercedes, Ferrari seems to be a step ahead. Red Bull is clearly ahead. But to be honest, I don’t think it’s a bad way to start the season.”
With the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix approaching, McLaren hopes to improve its position in the championship and prove its potential on the track with its favorable characteristics. Carlos Sainz and his team are ready to take on the challenge of racing and leave their mark on the streets of Jeddah.
