Carlos Sainz has detailed the moment that “saved” his Singapore Grand Prix victory in the final laps, when he was under pressure from both Mercedes drivers.
When a late Virtual Safety Car came out for Esteban Ocon’s retirement at Turn 2, Mercedes chose to gamble on a tyre strategy.
While George Russell and Lewis Hamilton quickly past Charles Leclerc, the duo found it difficult when they faced Sainz and Lando Norris with a number of circuits remaining.
Sainz slowed down to give Norris the DRS and create a ‘train’ effect, making it impossible for faster cars to overtake.
It worked, although Sainz warned the media, especially RacingNews365, that it was not without risk: “It’s always difficult. “Because you always put yourself under extra strain, don’t you?” he asked.
“Because then you know you can’t have a lock-up.” You can’t make a single mistake or snap because it gives Lando a chance to overtake you if he’s on DRS.
“At that point, you decide to give him the DRS in the hope that it will be enough to keep the Mercs at bay.”
In the closing moments of the race, Sainz had a moment when defending from Norris that nearly cost him the victory, as the McLaren driver had to defend from the charging Russell.
“I think Lando defended into 16-17 on one lap in particular, and then I had to slow down a lot into T1-2-3 to give him DRS again.”
“I believe that move saved my race.” It also saved Lando’s P2, because I believe that if he hadn’t been there, I would have been dead meat as well.
“If the Mercs had passed Lando, I think they could have easily passed me.”
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