Carlos Sainz says he'll be seeking "a more linear" season with Ferrari in 2023, insisting that only consistency will allow him to fight for the world title.
It was a banner year of sorts for Sainz who clinched his first career win in F1 over the summer at Silverstone.
But coupled with the six DNFs suffered by the Spanish driver during the season, including his collision at the start of the US Grand Prix where he conquered his maiden F1 pole, it was a campaign of ups and downs for Sainz that left him fifth and well-adrift from Scuderia teammate Charles Leclerc in the Drivers' championship.
"At the beginning, I had two consecutive retirements [Melbourne and Imola] and at the end I was driving well, but I had the accident in Austin when I started from pole position, and also the car was no longer there to win," said Sainz, quoted by Motosport.com.
"I have had many highs and lows. For next year, hopefully there will be fewer low points and many high peaks to be able to have a more linear season."
Sainz says he absolutely needs to add consistency – a quality in enjoyed in 2021 - to his ability to win to be able to challenge for the world title in the future.
"My goal is to be consistent," he said. "To win races, I already know what it is, but if you want to fight for the world championship, you have to be consistent.
"If you're at the front, the worst result is fifth or sixth, but with six or seven retirements that we've had, a series of points will go away that make you miss the world championship - although it's also true that Verstappen and Red Bull have been stronger.
"I believe that by learning those couple of lessons and going back to being the consistent Carlos of 2021, who I think will finish all the races, you can fight for the world championship."
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Sainz feels that he has a "near" chance of winning the world championship thanks to being at Ferrari, but admits that he also needs to capitalize on opportunities that may come his way.
"Near because I am in one of the best teams in the world, but in F1 there is a high level, both in terms of teams and drivers," said the 28-year-old.
"I am going to put the effort and the desire year after year, but then the circumstances have to arise to have one of the best cars and take advantage of it.
"This year is the first that I have had a really competitive car and it has made me learn a lot. I am sure that I will take advantage of this to improve in the future."
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