Carlos Sainz’s 2021 season had its fair share of highs and lows. While he showcased consistency and impressive performances throughout the year, the final two races proved to be a major setback for the Spaniard. Despite a disappointing end, Sainz believes that overall, he had a stronger season than what the last two races indicate.
Sainz faced adversity right from the beginning. During practice in Las Vegas, a water valve incident compromised his weekend. To make matters worse, he received a 10-place grid penalty, pushing him down the starting order. Despite putting up a good fight, Sainz could only manage sixth place in the race, while his teammate Charles Leclerc battled for victory.
Abu Dhabi marked another challenging race for Sainz. A crash in FP2 resulted in a poor qualifying session, starting him in 16th position. In an attempt to salvage a decent result, Sainz opted for two stints on the hard tires, hoping for a safety car intervention. Unfortunately, luck was not on his side as the strategy failed, causing him to slip out of the points during his pitstop on the penultimate lap.
Despite the disappointing end, Sainz acknowledges that he had a decent year overall. He believes that his performances demonstrated more consistency and a shining performance compared to previous seasons. However, he cannot overlook the fact that the last two races cast a shadow on his achievements.
The final races of the season did not align with Sainz’s usual strength. Typically, he excels towards the end of the year, but this time, things did not work in his favor. Sainz accepts that sometimes a season can take an unexpected turn, and the results may not match expectations.
The Frustration of Missed Opportunities
One of the most significant frustrations for Sainz was watching his team lose second place in the constructors’ championship to Mercedes by a mere three points. The close margin left him disappointed and unhappy with the overall outcome. Sainz highlights the need for an in-depth analysis of the race and performance to understand where improvements could have been made.
The Abu Dhabi race unravelled due to a failed strategy. The decision to begin on the hard tires, aiming for a one-stop strategy, backfired. Ferrari struggled to perform with the harder compounds, as they had experienced throughout the season. Realizing their chances of scoring points were slim, the team opted to wait for a safety car that never materialized.
As Sainz reflects on his season, he acknowledges the setbacks but also recognizes the progress made. While the last two races left a bitter taste, he remains optimistic about the future. Sainz and the Ferrari team plan to analyze their performance, identify areas for improvement, and learn from the mistakes made.
The 2021 season served as a vital learning experience for Sainz. He showcased his talent and potential, even in the face of adversity, and his consistent performances throughout the year highlight his growing stature in the sport. Moving forward, Sainz aims to build upon the positives of this season and come back stronger in the upcoming years.
Carlos Sainz’s 2021 season was a rollercoaster ride. While the last two races presented significant challenges, they should not overshadow the progress Sainz made throughout the year. Recognizing the need for analysis and improvement, Sainz remains determined to bounce back and achieve greater success in the future.
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