At the event: Carlos Sainz-Jnr says Ferrari must get both cars on the podium this weekend to prevent Mercedes from finishing second.
in short
Ferrari needs a double podium to attack Mercedes for second – Science
Carlos Sainz-Jnr says Ferrari must have both cars on the podium this weekend to ensure Mercedes don’t finish second in the Constructors’ Championship.
After George Russell and Lewis Hamilton took their first win and one-two of the season in Brazil last weekend, Ferrari sit 21 points adrift of Mercedes by 19 points heading into the Abu Dhabi finale. Sainz says he is confident Ferrari will get a good result against Mercedes this weekend.
“I think I could fight for the win in Austin and, in Brazil, Mer had the edge, but with a clean weekend, starting from P2 and all that, I think we can fight for the win,” Sainz explained. “So we’re focused on replicating that.
“It will not be easy for them. We just have to focus on getting the two cars on the platform and then nothing happens. But if you dominate the weekend and do one-two, then there’s a point where it starts to get complicated, because we have to finish third and fourth. So it depends on their competitiveness. But I believe we can finish the year on a high note.
Ricciardo Abu Dhabi admitted that ‘it could be the last great race’
Daniel Ricciardo has admitted this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix could be the last race of his Formula 1 career.
The McLaren driver will leave the team after this weekend after quitting the team a year ago due to a string of disappointing results. Ricciardo does not have a seat on the grid for next season, while the entire driver line-up for the ten teams has all but been officially confirmed.
“Mentally, it’s not like it’s going to be my last race with him – but it could be,” Ricciardo said. “Like, I know the future is never guaranteed. So I’m going out to enjoy myself.
“I don’t get too emotional about, ‘Oh, is it the last one or not.’ But I want to enjoy it and just take it for what it is. I got a grid penalty. I’m fine with penalties – I actually asked for a five-place penalty, but three will do.
Correa F2 is surprised to return soon
Juan Manuel Correa is working hard for the chance to return to Formula 2 racing after being injured in a serious crash three years ago, but he doesn’t expect the opportunity to come anytime soon.
Correa will compete in his first F2 race in Abu Dhabi this weekend after suffering a serious leg injury in the horrific crash that claimed the life of fellow driver Antoine Hubert after the 2019 Spa feature. He races for Van Amerfort and says it’s something he’s been working hard on since recovering from his injury.
“I’m not surprised because it’s what I’ve done for the last three years,” Correa said. “I’m happy to be here.
“I’m surprised to be back here this year, because obviously it’s the end of the season and this opportunity came at the last minute. So I’m happy to be here. I see my future in F2, long term, for next year. It is no secret that I am working hard to secure a seat for next year. And being here this weekend is a big step in the right direction toward that goal.
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Links
Motor Racing Links of Interest:
How Anna Tangles turned the MCL36 into a ‘moving canvas’ (McLaren).
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Braves, Bats Atlanta free rotation in first half of 2023 (Sports Business Journal)
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F1 22 | Race Line: Ultimate (Codemasters on YouTube)
“The finale of #TheRacingLine is here – your guide to everything F1 22. We’re looking forward to this week’s final race of the 2022 season in Abu Dhabi, as well as some F1 Esports champion predictions.”
GRID Legends | Ravenwest DLC trailer (GRID on YouTube)
“Jump into the controversial history of Ravenwest – the GRID World Series’ most infamous team – in the third GRID Legends Premium Content Pack, available now.”
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