'We are not a disaster!' - Sainz hits back at Ferrari critics

Carlos Sainz has defended Ferrari's strategic decisions after a controversial call over a late pit stop saw him lose out on a potential podium finish at the French Grand Prix.

The Spaniard started Sunday's race from the back row of the grid after taking on new engine parts, but came through the field to move into contention for a top-three finish in the closing stages, but came in for a late stop before eventually finishing fifth.

The apparent confusion between team and driver over the stop, which played out on team radio, added to a challenging day for Ferrari, who saw Charles Leclerc crash out from the lead, leaving Red Bull's Max Verstappen to extend his world championship lead to 63 points.

"I think the team is doing a very good job on strategy this year," Sainz said.

"At Ferrari we get super criticised for things that other teams might be going through also in their pit stop windows. Every time there is a tricky moment on strategy, we are discussing things, but we are not a disaster like people seem to say we are."

Sainz, who was facing a five-second time penalty for an unsafe release during his first pit stop, was engaged in a discussion over team radio as he attempted to pass the third-placed Sergio Perez in the final quarter of the race.

Having become frustrated at not making the pass, Sainz asked to come in for fresh tyres, but was initially told to stay out by his team. The Spaniard then made a brilliant overtake on Perez, which he did despite being talked to over radio at the most pivotal moments.

Sainz would have needed to open a five-second gap to Perez to hold third place due to his penalty, and the team decided he couldn't manage this and that there was also a major risk of tyre failure on his wearing