Sainz copies Verstappen at Barcelona: 'At least it's too small'

Ferrari will be hoping for a better result in Barcelona than last weekend in Monaco. With the Spanish Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz in particular will want to shine in front of his home crowd. He too returns to the Circuit de Catalunya, which experienced a significant change for this season.

The Spanish Grand Prix has opted to use a different circuit layout for 2023. Criticism of the grand prix has become increasingly fierce in recent years, mainly because of the alleged inability to overtake. That should improve on the circuit's new layout. Carlos Sainz thinks the change is a good thing.

'New circuit layout good idea'

The Spaniard told his Ferrari team in a preview: "Yes, I think it’s a good idea and it will be fun to race with this new layout in sector 3. There was nothing really wrong with the chicane, but it’s good to try a different approach and see how it affects lap times and the race. I’m looking forward to it."

At several Grands Prix around the world, Max Verstappen has his own Verstappen grandstand. In Barcelona, Sainz will also once again have his own grandstand. This one has been aptly named Grada CS55. "I really enjoy having the Grada CS55 in Barcelona," Sainz said.

"The Spanish fans are extremely special for me and I’m incredibly happy to have a dedicated grandstand for them. If anything, it is too small! But I know there are many fans on other grandstands also cheering me on. It’s difficult to explain what it feels like to race in F1 at home. I simply love it and I hope we can put on a good show and get a good result. They can be sure I will giving my absolute best."