Sainz explains the key to elusive first victory

Carlos Sainz knows what is needed to clinch that elusive first F1 win – and it is simply about putting it into practice.

The Spaniard has now started 147 grands prix without tasting victory, putting him joint sixth on the all-time list for that unwanted stat.

Four second-place finishes since September 2020 show how close Sainz is getting to breaking his duck – in fact he has been on the podium in five of the last eight races.

The 27-year-old has seen his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc win twice this season to put himself into a World Championship battle against title-holder Max Verstappen, with the Monegasque clearly able to wring more out of the F1-75 than his colleague.

But Sainz, who beat Leclerc in last season’s standings, which was his first with Ferrari, is anything but downhearted having improved throughout 2021 – and he is confident he is only a reachable step away from finally getting to the top level of the podium.

P2. We did the right call but a lapped car in my out-lap on slicks cost me too much time and we lost the lead. Tough one to digest because the win was there for the taking but I gave it all and we'll comeback stronger as a team!

https://t.co/EKXGDjyPXJ

–#Carlossainz pic.twitter.com/yDqmljoBLV

— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) May 29, 2022

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