Sainz disappointed with qualifying outcome in Abu Dhabi

Carlos Sainz admitted that he was disappointed with his final position in qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Spaniard finished in ninth but will start from eighth after Valtteri Bottas was penalised for changing his engine for the fourth time this season.

There is still plenty for Sainz to race for tomorrow, with him locked level in a battle with Pierre Gasly sixth in the final drivers' standings.

"I am very disappointed with the ninth position because I felt more competitive in Q1 and Q2, Sainz told McLaren's website.

"I tried to put together another good lap in Q3, but my out-lap was far from ideal. We got ourselves into trouble with Mercedes and Ferrari and my last attempt was compromised.

"It is a pity because if I had done the same tour of Q2 I would have been easily seventh. I expect a tough race tomorrow".

Sainz teammate Lando Norris came through in seventh and will like much of the grid move up one position after Bottas' penalty.