Sainz realistic: 'We know that can be difficult for Ferrari'

Carlos Sainz was close, very close. After his pole and rock-solid opening phase at Ferrari's home race in Italy, the Spaniard had to acknowledge Red Bull Racing's race pace was better. However, the weekend was hopeful. But whether the Italian Grand Prix was representative of the rest of the season remains to be seen. After all, the Marina Bay Street Circuit is nothing like the Temple of Speed.

Sainz indicates in advance that Ferrari fans should not expect an immediate repeat of Monza: "Yes, the theory says that we should not be as quick as in Monza. Normally up until now, in all of the high downforce races we've struggled a bit more than the low downforce ones."

On the other hand, the circuit in Singapore has some characteristics that should suit the Ferrari well, Sainz believes. "There are more sharp apexes where our car tends to suffer a bit less," the Ferrari driver continued. "But at the same time, it will be hot. It will be tough on tyres, which we also know can be tricky for us."

Therefore, the number five in the championship does not yet dare to make a real prediction. "Let's see. Like Fernando said, this year is going to be changing a lot race to race and we need to stay open-minded."