Sainz critical of Toro Rosso pit-stop execution

40

Carlos Sainz has made clear that Toro Rosso must improve its pit-stops with poor execution of his first stop in last weekend's German GP costing him dearly.

Staring 15th on the grid following a penalty for impeding Felipe Massa in qualifying, Sainz was 12th when he pulled into the pits for his first tyre change, but a problem with the right front dropped him down to 19th.

The Spaniard did his best to battle back up the field, dealing with traffic and getting as high as 12th, but ultimately finished his race outside of the points in 14th position.

"Starting from 15th because of the three-position grid penalty meant it was never going to be easy, but we had a good start and the first part of the race wasn't that bad," said Sainz Jr.

"Our first pitstop was a disaster. We ended up behind all of the slower cars that we had overtaken in the first seven laps.

"From there you lose track position, you have to overtake all over again, you need to use your tyres to overtake them and your race is backwards from then on."

Sainz obviously wants his team to improve its tyre changes.

"We are just not good enough in that area. We had improved it, we were maybe a bit better, a bit faster, but mistakes are still there, so it's not good enough."

Sainz, who finished 8th in the last three races, was uncertain if a top ten finish could have been in the cards at Hockenheim without his pit-stop mishap, his Toro Rosso's form a bit hampered by its older-spec Ferrari engine.

"It's very difficult to tell, but more than P14 was possible. We didn't do the maximum that the car was capable of doing because we didn't get the pitstop right, so that's why I'm not happy.

"I'm sure it would've been the possibility, there would've been a chance for the last point with Alonso and Perez, but our race was too compromised with the pitstop."

2016 German Grand Prix - Driver ratings

REPORT: Hamilton beats Red Bulls to extend championship lead

Breakfast with ... Christian Danner

Exclusive Alex Wurz Q&A: GPDA chairman "surprised" by Halo delay

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.