F1 News: Carlos Sainz Emphasises SF-23 "Characteristic" Issue But Hopeful For Singapore

As Ferrari heads to Singapore, Carlos Sainz delves into the SF-23's performance, focusing on more than just aerodynamics, but remains hopeful for the race ahead.

In the wake of previous challenges, Carlos Sainz offers insights into the SF-23's performance issues as Ferrari prepares for the Singapore Grand Prix. Sainz remains hopeful, however, citing recent changes as a potential boost to the team's chances.

Key Takeaways:

• Zandvoort Performance: The Circuit Zandvoort was a tough track for Ferrari. Despite Sainz's fifth-place finish, he believed the team was not amongst the top performers. Their struggles were further evidenced by Leclerc's crash in qualifying and subsequent race retirement.
• Opting for Maximum Downforce in Singapore: Learning from past experiences, Ferrari aims to utilize the maximum downforce package in Singapore. Sainz indicated that while there were lessons learned, changes have been made to improve performance for the upcoming race.
• Beyond the Rear Wing: While there's optimism about the modifications, Sainz emphasizes that the problems are more comprehensive than just the rear wing. The car's characteristics play a significant role in its track performance.

The iconic street circuit of Singapore, known for demanding a high downforce setup, is drawing close. Memories of the Circuit Zandvoort race are still fresh, where Ferrari, struggling with the balance of the SF-23, made the choice of a rear wing with diminished downforce. In contrast, the upcoming Singapore race will see the Scuderia opt for a wing designed to offer maximum downforce.

Reflecting on the Dutch Grand Prix, Ferrari's challenges were evident. Charles Leclerc's crash during qualifying and subsequent race exit due to significant car damage underscored their struggle. Though Sainz secured a fifth-place finish amid the chaos, he openly acknowledged the team's compromised speed, ranking them, in his estimation, sixth or seventh fastest.

However, Sainz offers a glimmer of hope for the Singapore Grand Prix. Addressing the changes during the drivers' press conference, he noted: 

"We did actually learn some very interesting stuff about how our car performs on that sort of track and what our high downforce wing is doing." 

The team's reflections and subsequent adjustments aim to better their chances. "And hopefully for this weekend, we found a better solution than in Zandvoort and it can give us a bit more performance," Sainz optimistically added.

But for Sainz, it isn't all about the aerodynamics. Highlighting the broader issues faced by the SF-23, he stated, "But honestly, I think it's a much bigger thing than just the rear wing and it's more a car characteristic thing." While Leclerc clinched pole in last year's Singapore race, this year's conditions suggest a need for something exceptional for a repeat performance.