Source: Renault Media Library

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Sainz feels 2018 results not reflective of his talent

Sainz feels 2018 results not reflective of his talent

11-08-2018 09:45
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Jake Williams-Smith

Carlos Sainz has summarised his 2018 season so far as "weird". The Spaniard feels that his results so far this season have not been truly reflective of his progress as a driver since joining Renault in 2017.

Speaking to Motorsport.com, Sainz said that despite a positive 2018 season to this point, his points deficit to teammate Nico Hulkenberg is not a true reflection of the difference in talent between the two drivers.

“It's been weird, because I was achieving a lot of points at the beginning of the year without being 100 per cent comfortable with the car, and working very hard to get it a bit back (to where I was comfortable),” said Sainz.

“I think Barcelona was a good turning point, where I was able to get that stability, that confidence with the car.

“And since then, a lot of things have happened to me on race day and the points suddenly are not coming, even if I'm pretty confident with the car.

“Paul Ricard was a good example, where we have an engine issue and issues towards the end.

“We did a perfect weekend, then a good qualifying in Austria, and in Hockenheim with the old front wing, and running in the points always.

“But situations on Sundays have made me miss on quite a lot of points, and sometimes a championship doesn't reflect the whole picture of the year.”

Sainz has recently been linked with the McLaren seat alongside compatriot Fernando Alonso, replacing Stoffel Vandoorne at the team. Another, although a rather unlikely option due to their past relationship at Toro Rosso, is a reunion with Max Verstappen at Red Bull, replacing the Renault-bound Daniel Ricciardo.