Sainz has put Austrian GP behind him: 'Overalls smelled like a barbecue'

The Austrian Grand Prix did not end the way Carlos Sainz had hoped. The Spaniard had to jump out of his burning F1-75 after his engine failed. He has since put the moment behind him and, after explanations from the marshals, the Ferrari driver also understands why the response from the safety team was slow.

Sainz attended the launch of the new Tenerife circuit, which is beginning its first steps and is due to be completed in 2025. The Ferrari driver, who has a special affection for the island like his father, has since left the Austrian Grand Prix behind.

The Spaniard experienced some scary moments in the final stages of that race when the engine of his F1-75 failed and the car caught fire. He had to jump out of a rolling car and was critical afterwards of the slow response of the marshals. The Red Bull Ring safety team has in turn reacted to Sainz's comments.

Sainz' Ferrari on fire in Austria

"I was a bit hot," the Ferrari driver is quoted as saying by Marca. At first Sainz didn't realise his car was on fire, but he did notice something was wrong. When he tried to get out, the car started to roll backwards and he was forced to sit back down and hit the brakes. "Then it started to burn a bit. After the race my overalls smelled like a barbecue," jokes the Madrid native.

After the race, Sainz criticised the marshals' response, but he now understands why it was somewhat slow. "It was a bit strange with the steward coming and going. I didn't understand anything, but then they explained to me why it all happened," he continues, adding that the reaction now "makes sense". He also praised the important work of the marshals, who all volunteer during race weekends.