Formula 1 Austria Gran Prix 2021 Carlos Sainz Jr. of Scuderia Ferrari looks on before the Formula 1 Gran Prix 2021 of Austria Spielberg Red Bull Ring Austria Copyright: xBasilex
Carlos Sainz registered the fastest timing during the first qualifying session of the Australian GP at Albert Park
Carlos Sainz made a commendable start to his Australian Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver completed a total of 24 laps during the first qualifying session and registered the fastest timing on the grid. Sainz clocked a timing of 1:19:806 leaving behind team-mate Charles Leclerc in second place. The Red Bull duo of Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen were just behind in third and fourth places respectively. Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton was placed 7th on the grid in FP1.
Ferrari continue their good run with both drivers occupying the top two spots on the ladder. Red Bull are posing a strong challenge but Mercedes are still struggling to get their rhythm. Alpine’s Esteban Ocon completed 27 laps, the highest in FP1. Haas’ driver Mick Schumacher, who is making a comeback after missing the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix completed the least laps (15) during the session and registered a timing that was only good enough for the bottom spot.
Sainz has made a great start to the 2022 F1 World Championship. He made it to the podium in both Bahrain (2nd) and Saudi Arabia (3rd). Sainz has been very consistent in his performances and has now made a good start to the Australian GP as well. His consistency is set to land him a new deal with Ferrari. Sainz’s existing contract runs out at the end of 2022.
Carlos Sainz recently revealed that he is “extremely close” to a contract renewal with the Ferrari F1 team. “I think we are close. Very, very close. Very close. Extremely close. Nearly there”, said Sainz speaking on the prospects of securing a new deal with Ferrari.
Red Bull team Principal Mattia Binotto confirmed Sainz’s statement about securing a new deal. “I think we found an agreement. It’s only a matter to translate to paper”, he said.
Things are looking really bright for both Sainz and Ferrari. Coming into the Australian GP, Sainz is placed second in the drivers’ championship with 33 points just behind team-mate Charles Leclerc who is on 45. Ferrari are clear ahead of the pack in the Constructors’ Championship, having secured 78 points after the first two races of the season.
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