Sainz in 'damage limitation' mode due to lack of confidence

©Ferrari

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Carlos Sainz says a lack of confidence in the rear end of his Ferrari SF-23 has left him in "damage limitation" mode this weekend in Baku.

Since Friday, the Spaniard has played second fiddle to teammate Charles Leclerc. While the Monegasque topped both qualifying sessions in Baku, Sainz concluded Friday's running P4, 0.813s behind Leclerc, and classified fifth in both Sprint events on Saturday.

Sainz justified his struggles by a lack of confidence in his car and by the Sprint format's parc fermé rules that prevented him from undertaking any changes to his SF-23 after Friday's single practice session.

©Ferrari

"Not surprised when you can’t change anything in the car or can’t experiment to get yourself comfortable, then you are in a difficult weekend like I am now," Sainz told Sky Sports.

"I’ve made some steps with my driving and changing a few things, and adjusting to the balance we have.

"With the pace we have, it’s more of a damage limitation weekend for me than anything else," Saizn admitted.

"I am really struggling with confidence, and really feeling on the limit of the rear axle. It’s not a nice feeling to have around Baku."

Read also: Leclerc sparks concerns during Sprint as French accent strikes again

Sainz said he would dig in after this weekend to try and better understand his underperformance.

"I’m going to need more time after this weekend to really go deeper in the data, because now with this format you just simply don’t have time

"You’re going into a quali, into a race into another quali, and it’s impossible to take conclusions or to change anything that would help me for sure get a bit more comfortable.

"So I’m a bit stuck. But as I said, it gets to a point where you just need to accept it. It’s one weekend in my life that I’m feeling this strange situation and at this point is more damage limitation."

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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.