Sainz sees Racing Point 'way too far away to fight'

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McLaren's Carlos Sainz was impressed with the performance on Friday in Austria of midfield rival Racing Point, to the point where the Spaniard believes the pink outfit is "too far away" to fight.

Sergio Perez concluded his opening day of running at the Red Bull Ring with the third best time, beaten only by the unassailable Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

But teammate Lance Stroll's P7 result in FP2 validated Racing Point's form and the edge enjoyed by the team's RP20, nicknamed the "pink Mercedes" by its midfield rivals.

Impressive Perez keeping expectations in check

Sainz, who clocked in 10th in the Friday afternoon session, says the Silverstone-based squad's pace is impressive.

"Racing Point were particularly quick today," said Sainz. "We were expecting them to be quick, but in such a short circuit, to have the advantage they had against the rest of the midfield is particularly impressive.

"My opinion is that they are way too far away to try and mount a fight to them. But at least Renault, we look to be in the ballpark with them, so it’s going to be good fun still."

Lando Norris outpaced his teammate in FP2, finishing the session a creditable P6. But the McLaren charger agreed with Sainz that Racing Point will likely be out of reach this weekend.

"[Racing Point are] a bit ahead of us for sure," he said. "I don’t think we’re looking at them too much in terms of what our pace is going to be like.

"The rest of the midfield pack, it’s hard to say because Red Bull and Ferrari seem not as quick as they were last year here.

"I think we’ve taken a step forward, and the whole of the midfield’s taken a step forward, so it’s going to be interesting.

"I think tomorrow, everyone will turn it up and lower fuel and everything so we’ll see, but I think for now we’re just focusing on ourselves, trying to explore the car, find out some new information."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.