Carlos Sainz Jr’s world championship hopes took a blow as his Ferrari caught fire in Austria, just as he was set to pass Max Verstappen for second place.
What a difference one week makes.
Carlos Sainz Jr., seven days after winning his maiden Silverstone grand prix, has now experienced the other end F1 has to provide.
Sainz was set for second place in the race behind Charles Leclerc but had to abandon his Ferrari after it caught on fire during the final stages.
What happened to Carlos Sainz?
Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari catches fire in Austrian GP
Ferrari was faster than Red Bull on the day. Verstappen and Leclerc were able to pass Sainz on the track to run one-two.
However, strategy was successful and Verstappen returned to the lead. To win, both Ferraris would have to overtake him.
Leclerc managed this feat with ease. He won the race after a few problems with his pedals. But just as Sainz was poised to take P2, his Ferrari engine burst.
Carlos Sainz pulled off at Turn 4, in the up-hill runoff area, as flames began to engulf the Ferrari – which began to roll back down the hill.
Marshals tried to secure it, but Sainz jumped out to escape and was then returned to the pits.
It caused a temporary virtual safety car period during which some cars decided to pit for fresh tires.
Carlos Sainz’s retirement in Austria due to the car catching fire was Ferrari’s third power unit failure of the season, following Leclerc in Spain and Azerbaijan.
What does it do to get out of the top?
Leclerc is now at 170 points, and is now second behind Verstappen (208).
Sainz is at 133, with Sergio Perez at fourth on 151 after his DNF.
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