P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz details secret Williams plan which unlocked Qatar podium
Carlos Sainz has revealed detailed insights into how Williams’ podium at the Qatar Grand Prix was the culmination of months of preparation, following his third-place finish at the race. Sainz achieved his second podium of the season for Williams in Lusail, finishing third after benefiting from Lando Norris’s late pit stop, which dropped Norris to fifth behind Sainz and Kimi Antonelli. This marked Williams’ highest finish in the constructor’s championship since 2017, as Sainz and Alex Albon’s combined points total was the team’s best since 2016. Sainz attributed the success to the team’s efforts in improving the car’s performance on medium-speed corners, starting from their struggles in Hungary in July. Through simulations and adjustments, the team was able to optimize the car for the Qatar circuit, a strategy that paid off during the race weekend. Sainz’s ability to defend against opponents in the closing stages of the race, including Norris, showcased the effectiveness of the team’s tailored approach for the event.
