Sainz frustrated after engine problem ruins his qualifying

It was a tough day for Carlos Sainz after he failed to set a time during qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Spaniard admitted it is going to be a mighty challenge if he is to reach the points during the race.

Sainz was looking to extend McLaren's and his own lead in the battle for best of the rest but he'll now face a battle to achieve any points at all after exiting Q1 without setting a lap. The day got off to a good start for Sainz who finished in the top ten during FP3 and looked to be leading the midfield once again. 

However, an engine issue looks to have given him little hope of a positive result but he vowed to do his best.

“Big disappointment today. An issue with the engine during my first attempt in Q1 meant I couldn’t even set a lap-time," Sainz told the McLaren website.

"We’ll investigate what happened, but I’m obviously disappointed because it cost us a good shot at Q3 today.

“Another eventful Saturday this season where I’m not able to show our pace is frustrating, but these things happen and the race is tomorrow.

"It won’t be easy to reach the points starting from the back of the grid, but we’ll fight until the chequered flag and hopefully make a good recovery.”