Sainz out of Belgian GP after an exhaust failure

Carlos Sainz is out of the Belgian Grand Prix after suffering an exhaust failure on his installation lap.

Sainz had qualified seventh for the race at Spa Francorchamps, three places ahead of team-mate Lando Norris, but the McLaren driver will take no further part in the weekend.

Television footage showed smoke coming out of the back of the Spaniard's car half an hour ahead of the race start, and the announcement followed shortly after that he would not be competing.

“On the second lap to the grid, I started actually smelling something not quite right on my car," Sainz told Sky Sports F1.

"Suddenly I start hearing that the exhaust was broken. I went into the pits and then we found out that it was actually a power unit issue that generated an exhaust blowout. The second consecutive year that I am not even able to start the race at Spa, my favourite track.”

In a tweet, McLaren confirmed: "Carlos Sainz will not start the BelgianGP after an exhaust failure on the way to the grid."

Unfortunately, @Carlossainz55 will not start the #BelgianGP after an exhaust failure on the way to the grid. pic.twitter.com/xXPYNJDrkk

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) August 30, 2020

Sainz took part in the anti-racism demonstration and the minutes silence in memory of Anthoine Hubert, but then returned to the McLaren garage.

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