Poor Ferrari form no concern to Sainz ahead of 2021 move

Carlos Sainz insists he is unconcerned by Ferrari's lack of pace at the start of the new Formula 1 season ahead of his switch to the Scuderia for 2021.

Although Ferrari's Charles Leclerc finished second at the Red Bull Ring, it was aided by numerous safety car interventions and retirements.

Qualifying, however, served to highlight the deficit of the SF1000, with Leclerc a second down on polesitter Valtteri Bottas, while for the first time since joining the team over five years ago, Sebastian Vettel failed to reach Q3 on pace alone.

As to whether such problems now are an issue for Sainz, the McLaren driver replied: "Not really. I think it's summarised quite well with me saying I'm not thinking about 2021.

"No, I haven't really thought about it or thought about the carryover of this Ferrari form into next year."

In reaction to the pace deficit, Ferrari has completely changed its aerodynamic direction, with Sainz "confident" the team will find answers to its problems.

"They have always been at the top in Formula 1, and I think they will make it back there soon, or sooner rather than later," added Sainz. "At the moment I am happy to fight them on track."

At present, it means Sainz and McLaren are again enjoying an on-track battle with Ferrari.

"It's great progress for McLaren," said Sainz. "I think it's been really great progress from this team and I'm enjoying being able to fight Ferrari, [being] close to Red Bull, close to Racing Point when we thought they were going to be clearly ahead, and I'm just enjoying the challenge so far this year."

Before you go...

Perez has podium in sight after being handed rare F1 chance

"No place for Vettel" at Red Bull - Marko

Related

Lando Norris

Norris RETURNS F1 rival’s secret Santa gift

• Yesterday 18:58

Ferrari

Staggering Ferrari sale emerges as F1 star set for team switch

• December 23, 2024 20:57