Sainz finally getting to grips with McLaren after struggling with tricky 'A-spec'

Carlos Sainz believes he has finally reached a level of understanding with his McLaren after struggling with the 'A-spec' car at the start of the season.

Sainz has endured an up-and-down year to date, initially struggling for pace during the opening rounds and suffering horrendous luck when he eventually did find speed with MCL35.

The Spaniard is now more confident his side of the garage has the knowledge to eradicate the sensitivity issues he has conceded to struggling with.

"The feeling with the car is there [now]," he said. "I struggled a lot at the beginning of the year understanding this new McLaren 35 'A'. It is a tricky car to drive, difficult to understand.

"You have seen us struggling at some circuits in some conditions so it is difficult to understand what is going on with the car.

"I feel like lately, over the last few races, I have an understanding of what is going on and am starting to feel more comfortable and happy in qualifying trim."

Sainz is hoping for a turn around in fortunes at the Nürburgring after suffering back-to-back retirements.

After being caught up in the start-finish straight melee at Mugello in the Tuscan Grand Prix, Sainz then made a costly error when negotiating the turn two bollards at the Sochi Autodrom last time out at the Russian Grand Prix.

"It has been very frustrating," he added. "Obviously, when you do a mistake it is a bit more difficult to digest but after doing a bit of analysis and going through stuff with everyone, I am feeling refreshed for this weekend.

"The whole season has been difficult to build any kind of momentum. There has been some good weekends, some very good performances.

"But other weekends we have been unlucky or things haven't gone our way so I am looking forward to getting some more consistent momentum."

Before you go...

Schumacher has 'nothing to prove' on F1 debut - Leclerc

Time may have healed Red Bull-Renault relationship - Ricciardo

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 Results Today: Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton give Ferrari perfect start at Australian Grand Prix

• 2 hours ago

Lando Norris F1 title defence gets off to worst possible start at Australian Grand Prix

• 3 hours ago

Aston Martin nightmare deepens after Fernando Alonso ruled out of practice

• 3 hours ago

Iconic Dragon Ball Z F1 merch to be auctioned off - and it could be yours

• Yesterday 22:42

F1 2026: Fernando Alonso shares Aston Martin update and explains nerve damage risk

• Yesterday 21:57

Audi F1: Famous car brand joins 2026 grid with a Red Bull genius in charge

• Yesterday 20:54