Belgian GP: Carlos Sainz expecting Max Verstappen to still challenge for win

Carlos Sainz believes Max Verstappen is still in contention for race victory this afternoon at the Belgian Grand Prix, despite the Dutchman having to start in the bottom half of the field.

We’ve got quite the mixed up grid this afternoon for the Belgian Grand Prix, with nearly half of the pack taking new components to their power units that have triggered grid penalties.

Indeed, it means that Max Verstappen will line up in P14 despite being by some margin the fastest driver on Saturday in qualifying, and many are looking forward to seeing the Dutchman carve his way through the field.

One man that might not be as excited about that prospect, though, is pole-sitter Carlos Sainz who, despite now leading the field into La Source at lights out this afternoon, cut a pretty downcast figure after quali yesterday with him feeling as though Max has the pace in the Red Bull to still challenge for victory.

Asked if it was going to be a battle between him and P2 man Sergio Perez for today’s win, the Spaniard said:

“Not entirely, no.

“Especially with the pace Max has, I think that as soon as there’s a Safety Car, that can help him close the gap, or even with the pace that he has that if you translate it into 44 laps, he can come back. And we’ve seen him do it before.

“That will not be my focus; obviously the first and second stint, it will be a straight battle with Checo and the Mercedes if they have the race pace, but we will try to pull away for sure.

“If I would have done his [Verstappen’s] lap that he did today, I would also be confident that as soon as something happens at the front or if there is a Safety Car to close the gap, that he can make it.”