Carlos Sainz finished 12th at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, attributing the result to a lack of vehicle performance. According to reports from MARCA and Motor.es, Sainz described the car’s capabilities as “very bad” while suggesting that tire variables might offer a slight competitive opening for the following day.
Why the Car Underperformed in Barcelona
Sainz struggled to climb the standings during the event, eventually crossing the line in 12th place. Following the session, the driver offered a blunt assessment of the machinery’s limits.
“Bad, very bad, the car can’t give any more.”
Carlos Sainz, via MARCA
The performance gap became a primary focus of his post-race analysis, as the driver indicated the current setup reached a ceiling that prevented a higher finish.
Comparing Pace with Williams
Beyond the general lack of pace, Sainz identified specific areas where the competition held a clear advantage. According to LaSexta, the driver pointed to a significant weakness in the car’s performance relative to the Williams team, stating that they “crush us” in certain aspects of the race.

Tire Strategy and Future Prospects
Despite the disappointing result, Sainz identified one potential avenue for improvement. According to Motor.es, the driver believes tire management or selection could alter the competitive dynamic for the next stage of the event.
“Maybe tomorrow something can be fought for.”
Carlos Sainz, via Motor.es
This tactical hope comes amid a broader career transition. Diario AS noted that Sainz has already navigated the professional dynamics associated with Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, adding another layer of pressure to his current performance trajectory.