Carlos Sainz Optimistic For Saudi Arabia Grand Prix: "Good Chance To Get Back On The Podium"

The Ferrari driver remains optimistic ahead of Saudi Arabian Grand Prix despite his teammate's struggles.

Carlos Sainz has spoken about the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, saying he thinks Ferrari have a chance to get on the podium.

The Spanish driver finished the season-opening race in Bahrain in fourth place, narrowly missing out on a podium after his teammate Charles Leclerc retired from the race. 

The majority of Ferrari's hopes will be on Sainz this weekend after they confirmed Leclerc will be receiving a ten-place grid penalty. During the drivers' press conference, Sainz said:

"The track is completely different to Bahrain, the tarmac, the high speed nature, the wing level that we will run, everything is just a bit different compared to Bahrain and I have the feeling that we're going to be a bit more competitive.

"I want to be more optimistic after after Bahrain and and feel like this weekend, we have a good chance to get back on the podium."

The general consensus in the paddock is that Ferrari will have a strong performance this weekend with the Jeddah track suiting the SF-23. Both Sainz and Leclerc will be fighting for one of the three top spots, despite Leclerc's ten-place grid penalty. 

The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will kick off with the two free practice sessions tomorrow. The third free practice session and qualifying will take place on Saturday, followed by the race on Sunday.