Carlos Sainz and his team were happy as they celebrated a Ferrari double in the US Grand Prix, but the Spanish driver admitted it could have gone better for him.
Sainz found himself in the wrong place and at the wrong time at the start and then suffered a problem with his engine that paved the way for Charles Leclerc to earn victory ahead of his Ferarri teammate.
Despite the disappointment, Sainz expressed hope to DAZN that he will taste victory in the remaining five races of the 2024 F1 World Championship season before he leaves Ferrari.
“I hope there are more opportunities to fight for victory, because obviously this seems to be one of the best opportunities of the year to win a race before leaving Ferrari and that is why you don't see me so happy today.
“If there are more opportunities, be sure that I will take advantage of them,” said a motivated Carlos Sainz after Ferrari's performance in Texas.
"It has been one of those weekends where I have been very comfortable with the car, I have gone very fast both in the Sprint and in qualifying and the race.Getty Images
“I'm also happy to see the team finish first and second for the constructors' championship.”
Even though the 30-year-old was happy with the result, he was frustrated that he couldn't steal top position on the podium.
Sainz added: “On the other hand, also what could have been, because in the end, by going so fast, you are the one who wants to win the race and I found myself a little blocked at the start.
“From there I tried to set my pace, I tried to pass Max, then I had an engine problem and we lost a couple of seconds, the DRS and the opportunity to pass him.
“And then from there I was going very fast, I think I was the fastest with the hard tire but it wasn't enough because I lost a lot of time in the first stint.
“The key has been the start, being a little boxed in, but it's the races. It was a decent start but in turn one there was a battle between Lando and Max that I couldn't completely avoid and it caused Charles to pass and I suffered with traction at the exit of the turn."