Carlos Sainz, driving for Ferrari, expressed his pride in breaking Red Bull's unbeaten streak but acknowledged that the dominant team could resume their winning ways in the remaining races of the Formula One season.
Sainz secured victory at the Singapore Grand Prix, ending Red Bull's aspirations of an undefeated season. Max Verstappen, the championship leader, finished fifth in the race, while Sergio Perez claimed eighth place. Red Bull remains the heavy favorite to reassert their dominance at the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, where they could clinch the constructors' championship at Suzuka.
Reflecting on his triumph in Singapore, Sainz stated, "It seemed almost like it was going to be impossible to beat them." He took pride in the victory but refrained from assuming that it signaled a permanent shift in the season's dynamics.
Sainz has been in excellent form recently, securing a third-place finish at the Italian Grand Prix before his Singapore win. He also claimed pole position in both races. Currently, he sits in fifth place in the drivers' standings, trailing his Spanish compatriot Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin by 28 points.
Maintaining momentum in a highly competitive environment is essential, according to Sainz, who emphasized the need to shift focus from Singapore to Suzuka.
Ferrari currently holds the third position in the constructors' standings, trailing Mercedes by 24 points. Sainz acknowledged the challenges he and teammate Charles Leclerc have faced with a "tricky" car and their ongoing efforts to fine-tune its setup. He noted their dedication to finding the optimal setup and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance.
Sainz summed up their approach by saying, "Probably we still haven't found it yet, and that's why every week I try something different in the car to try to challenge myself, the car, and the team."
