Sainz expects further midfield order swings after "nasty" Mugello surprise

Carlos Sainz claims his McLaren team has been handed a "nasty surprise" at the Tuscan Grand Prix but the Spaniard doesn't expect this to be the last time the midfield pendulum swings in 2020.

The Woking-based team had the second-fastest car in Monza, with Sainz's podium reflecting the pace a week ago but at Mugello, they have struggled to dial in the MCL35.

Sainz was happy with the improvement to the car between final practice and qualifying but reiterated the team expected more from the final race of the third triple-header.

"The midfield is what it is," he said.

"I think this is not going to be the last time where we see this kind of performance swing from track to track.

"On paper, we thought this track would be good for us. The midfield in Formula 1 always has surprises, this has been a nasty surprise but we kept our heads down and we managed to improve the car quite a lot going into qualifying so we also need to be happy and proud as a team that we didn't lose our heads too much."

The Spaniard, who will race for Mugello circuit owners Ferrari next season, remains optimistic of a good result in Sunday's race, pointing to the bedlam of the Italian Grand Prix as a prime example of why he won't give up hope.

"We came from a very strong weekend in Monza and the midfield always has surprises," Sainz added.

"Here, we have been struggling quite a bit with car balance and general grip in the car. I wouldn't expect massive changes going into tomorrow in terms of pace and car behaviour but racing is racing and anything can happen as we saw in Monza."

Before you go...

"Every race is like a cup final" for Verstappen - Horner

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

Aston Martin flop deserves 'proper w***** trophy' says F1 insider

• 38 minutes ago

Lewis Hamilton under fire from Ferrari team-mate in angry blast at Chinese Grand Prix

• 1 hour ago

Lewis Hamilton has an '11:11' tattoo, what does it mean?

• 2 hours ago

F1 2026 Chinese Grand Prix starting grid with penalties applied

• 3 hours ago

Christian Horner F1 return facing major blocker as Mercedes talks confirmed

• 3 hours ago

F1 Odds: Chinese Grand Prix favourites and long shots as Lewis Hamilton roars back after ‘Macarena’ flop

• Today 12:30