Ferrari started the race weekend in a promising way. Whereas Carlos Sainz finished in second place during the first free practice, the Ferrari's were in the first two places a few hours later. However, Sainz believes Red Bull Racing and Mercedes are not to be underestimated.
Indeed, the driver of the Italian racing stable believes that the two top teams may have held back. "It looks like we can be a real threat. We have to wait for the third free practice," he stated in an interview with Formule1.nl. "A lot can change from Thursday to Saturday. There are drivers who slow down on Thursday and then suddenly, like Hamilton always does, they're back at it on Saturday."
Sainz had to get used to the set-up his team chose. "Ferrari is trying to pursue a balance here that is very different. I had to adapt again, change my driving style a bit and build confidence little by little. But the most important thing is that every time I drove across the finish line I saw that I was competing for places in the top three."
Battle between Verstappen and Hamilton
Max Verstappen and Hamilton got no further than sub-top times on the first day. For now, the Englishman is 14 points ahead of Verstappen in the world championship, but the Red Bull driver will be hoping to close that gap soon.