Jonas LeoLUSAIL, Qatar – Carlos Sainz delivered a notable performance during qualifying for the Qatar Grand Prix, securing seventh position and leading the competitive midfield pack. The Spaniard revealed that his strong showing at the challenging Losail International Circuit was the direct outcome of a strategic experimental setup that his Scuderia Ferrari team had been meticulously developing since encountering difficulties earlier in the season at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Sainz’s weekend in Qatar has unfolded with remarkable consistency, beginning with a points finish in the Sprint race. His P7 grid slot for Sunday’s main race further solidified what he described as a "very solid" few days for the Maranello-based squad. This result marks a significant step forward, particularly given Ferrari’s fluctuating form throughout the 2023 Formula 1 season. The team has often displayed flashes of brilliance, especially in qualifying, but has struggled with race pace consistency and tire management on certain circuit types.
"Yeah, we took another step in that direction in quali and it seemed to, again, do some steps in the right direction," Sainz conveyed to Sky Sports F1 following the session. "Overall, honestly just happy with the weekend so far, we’ve been very solid, a point in the sprint, position better now in quali and a top seven going into the race." The enthusiasm in his voice was palpable, reflecting the team’s surprise and satisfaction with the outcome. "If you would have told me before the weekend, I would have not believed it, so I think it’s been a very good weekend up until now."
The genesis of this successful experiment dates back to the Hungarian Grand Prix, a track characterized by its high-downforce requirements and technical corners. Ferrari, like many top teams, analyzes its performance meticulously, especially when a particular circuit highlights underlying car weaknesses. While Ferrari secured P6 and P7 in Hungary (Leclerc and Sainz, respectively), the overall feeling within the team was that their package lacked optimal balance and adaptability for such demanding layouts. This prompted an internal drive to explore new setup philosophies.
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Sainz emphasized his personal involvement in pushing for this new direction. "Yeah, I’ve been pushing hard since Budapest. We had a very off weekend at this kind of track corner, to say let’s make sure we use this year as a learning and try something in Qatar, because in Qatar in theory we should suffer, it should be a very tricky weekend for us," he explained. This proactive approach from the driver, combined with the team’s engineering prowess, laid the groundwork for the Qatar gamble.
The Losail circuit, with its long, sweeping corners and high-speed sections, presents a unique challenge, particularly concerning tire degradation and aerodynamic balance. Its characteristics are distinct from many other circuits on the calendar, making it an ideal proving ground for experimental setups. The hot, humid conditions further amplify the demands on both car and driver. Recognizing these inherent difficulties, Ferrari’s technical team and Sainz collectively identified Qatar as a prime opportunity to validate their theoretical work.
The "experiment" involved a deep dive into simulator data and a collaborative effort between Sainz and Ferrari’s engineers. "I had some ideas in the simulator that I wanted to test, the team came up with other ideas, we put them all together, we went to the simulator, we tested the car and that gave us what we believe was maybe potentially a good baseline maybe to start the weekend and give it a bit of a go," Sainz elaborated. This iterative process, moving from theoretical concepts to virtual testing and finally to real-world application, is standard practice in Formula 1 but underscores the commitment required for such a significant departure from conventional setups.
The early indications in Qatar were overwhelmingly positive. "And right from the get-go it was working well this weekend and it has given us a good understanding, good learnings and confidence because as a team it’s important to do these sort of tests and get them to work," Sainz noted. This immediate validation of their simulator work is crucial, providing invaluable data and boosting morale within the technical departments.
During qualifying, Sainz felt he extracted the absolute maximum from his Ferrari SF-23. "Three good laps in quali, I hit 20.2 in Q2 and then I felt like I just couldn’t get any quicker than 20.2, felt like that was the limit of the car," he recounted. Even a minor scare in Q3, involving plastic debris potentially damaging his car’s bodywork, did not deter him. "In Q3 even with that scare of the plastic and damaging the bodywork and having to repair, I don’t know if I was carrying any damage or not, but after that scare, managing to hit the 20.2 and being P7, I take it and we’re very strong." This ability to perform under pressure, coupled with a car that felt responsive to his inputs, speaks volumes about the effectiveness of the new setup.
For Ferrari, a team with a storied history and fervent global support, such strategic successes are vital. The 2023 season has seen them engaged in a fierce battle for third place in the Constructors’ Championship, primarily against Mercedes and Aston Martin. Points are at a premium, and any technical advancement that yields a tangible performance gain is celebrated. This experiment, proving effective on a circuit where they anticipated struggles, offers a blueprint for future development and adaptation. It signifies a growing understanding of their car’s characteristics and a willingness to take calculated risks to unlock potential.
Looking ahead, the insights gained from this Qatar experiment could be pivotal for the remaining races of the season and, crucially, for the development of their 2024 challenger. The ability to fine-tune a car’s behavior for specific track types, addressing previous weaknesses, demonstrates a maturation in Ferrari’s engineering approach. For Carlos Sainz, known for his analytical feedback and meticulous preparation, this result reinforces his value to the team as both a fast driver and a key developmental asset. The successful deployment of this experimental setup not only secured a strong qualifying position but also delivered a significant boost of confidence to the entire Ferrari team as they navigate the final stages of the championship.
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- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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