Sainz sees consistency as key in P3 fight

Carlos Sainz feels that, heading into the final three races of the 2020 season, remaining consistent is the most important thing.

It’s all to play for in the closing stages of the year for McLaren. The British team is currently P4 in the Constructors’ Championship, just five points behind Racing Point.

With the 2020 McLaren more often than not slower than the Racing Point and Renault challengers reliability and consistency are largely why Sainz and co remain in the fight for a top-three finish, and the Spaniard says they have to keep that up throughout the triple-header.

“What a great comeback we had in Turkey and more importantly secured vital points for the team,” he said.

“Consistency is key for the final three races. We want to score as many points as possible and we will fight until the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi. But first, we have two rounds in Bahrain, so it’s going to be an intense final triple-header.

“It’s not an easy task after such a compressed calendar this year, but as a team, we’re prepared and ready to go racing. Bahrain is a track I’ve always enjoyed and I’m looking forward to racing the two track layouts.”

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Team-mate Lando Norris is just one point behind Sainz and will be hoping that, unlike last year, he can end the season above the Spaniard.

Given that Bahrain was where he scored his first points in F1 as he finished P6 in 2019, he’s feeling good.

“We’re ending the season just like we started it with one final triple-header, and I can’t wait to get back into the rhythm of racing back-to-back again,” the Brit said.

“It’s definitely going to be a tough challenge as we haven’t had a triple-header in a while, but we’re going to give it everything.

“Turkey showed that we’re still in the fight and anything can happen. We just need to make every session count and most of all focus on ourselves.

“The circuit in Bahrain usually makes for some good wheel-to-wheel racing with plenty of chances to overtake, especially with the three DRS zones.

“Looking back at last year, Bahrain was one of my best races and it’s where I scored my first points in Formula 1. Hopefully, we can continue to score some important points this weekend and kick off the triple-header strong.”

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