Carlos Sainz defends Ferrari's F1 car updates, despite the pain in Spain

Carlos Sainz expressed his belief that the Ferrari package is heading in the "right direction" for the team, although he acknowledged the need for improvement following the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix.

The race weekend in Barcelona proved challenging for Ferrari, as Sainz slipped down the field from his P2 starting position, ultimately finishing the race in fifth place.

Meanwhile, his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, endured a nightmare few days, qualifying in P19 and failing to secure points with an eleventh-place finish in the race.

Reflecting on the team's changing fortunes since 2022, Sainz suggested that Leclerc would have found it easier to make progress through the field last year.

"Last year, we would have made it back to the top four, top five starting from the pit lane," Sainz told the media.

"This year, the field is tighter, and it's more difficult to make your way through."

Remaining hopeful

Recognising that Ferrari's weaknesses were exposed at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, Sainz remains hopeful that addressing these issues will enable the team to move forward.

"There is work to do, analysis to be done on this package," added the Spaniard.

"I trust that what we did is the right direction; now we need to start addressing our weaknesses with the bouncing, with the high-speed.

"With this new package and direction, hopefully, we can start improving performance."

Ferrari currently holds the fourth position in the Constructors' Championship with 100 points, trailing third-placed Aston Martin by 34 points.

The next F1 race is scheduled for 18 June in Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.