Carlos Sainz Credits 20-Minute Nap for Strong Performance in Miami GP
Spanish racing driver Carlos Sainz secured a sixth place grid spot for the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, attributing his success to a strategic 20-minute power nap. After a series of operational errors and driving mistakes throughout the weekend, Williams Racing needed to reset their focus for the grand prix sessions.
Overcoming Challenges in Sprint Qualifying and Saturday Race
Eliminated in the second part of sprint qualifying, Sainz further knocked himself out of the Saturday race after clipping the wall at Turn 13, damaging both left-hand wheels on his car. He acknowledged that these issues were a result of both his own driving errors and operational mistakes from the team.
Recognizing the need for improvement, Sainz called for Williams Racing to renew their focus for the grand prix sessions. Following qualifying, he explained that he took a nap after the sprint to regain mental clarity and energy to chase a top six grid position.
A Fresh Perspective After Resetting
I kept spiraling thinking about all the things that we’ve been doing wrong, but then I went with my engineers and said, ‘look, let’s just reset, we have the potential,'” Sainz told Sky F1. “I’m going to take a 20-minute nap and come back with a different mentality because clearly this weekend is not being good, and let’s give it a go in qualifying.
After his refreshing nap, Sainz felt rejuvenated and ready to tackle the challenges ahead. “I’m very happy after a very scrappy weekend, both on the operational side and the driving side, where a lot of mistakes happening from both the team and my side,” he later told media.
Renewed Focus Leads to Strong Performance
Despite the initial setbacks, Sainz and Williams Racing managed to press the reset button and show their potential in the grand prix sessions. “We were scratching our heads like: ‘how can we be so fast but, at the same time, make so many mistakes in two or three sessions?'” Sainz reflected.
The Spanish driver was a tenth ahead of his teammate Alex Albon, who faced sanctions beyond a reprimand for a Q1 pitlane incident. Regardless, Sainz felt that Williams Racing appeared to have a strong package in Miami, noting that the characteristics of the car had suited the FW47’s package.
Looking Ahead to Race Day
To be three tenths off pole we must be doing things well this weekend,” the Spaniard added. “I think it might be a bit of an outlier where this track seems to suit our car quite nicely, because since FP1 the balance and everything just fell in the window and in the sweet spot.
