Ferrari’s home round in front of the Tifosi in Monza closed the European leg of the 2022 Formula One World Championship. Yesterday at the Karting Carlos Sainz in Las Rozas, Madrid; the Spaniard driver of the same name came before the press in an event organised by its sponsor Estrella Galicia 0,0. 

The #55 has taken stock of the season so far and spoke of his optimism regarding the remaining events. Sainz took his first F1 victory this year at the British GP and has claimed seven podiums in 2022.

He has also delighted fans with some spectacular comebacks. At this point, the Spaniard hopes to continue his upward trajectory until the end of the year.    

Sixteen races into the 22-race season. How do you feel about the remaining events?  

“Well, as you can imagine, I am really looking forward to those six remaining races, each of them on a very different circuit as well. Now there is a lot of travelling ahead of us, with the Asian tour first followed by the American tour. I like all of the upcoming circuits where I have also done well in the past. It is a part of the season when I usually do well, so I am looking forward to it”. 

Is any of the upcoming circuits special to you in any way and why? 

“Yes, Japan is one of my favourite circuits, if not my all-time favourite. It is an incredible circuit, with wonderful fans. I have always liked Japanese people very much and I have missed going there the last few years because of Covid-19. Then there is Brazil, which brings back very good memories; Singapore, where we also haven’t been for two years; Austin, which is one of my favourite circuits as well and then there is Mexico, a very fun race with the Mexican fanbase and a circuit where I have always been fast. These are all very fun races”. 

You have mentioned before that this has been a crazy year. Considering what you have already achieved so far, what do you see yourself capable of next? 

“I see myself capable of fighting for victories, I have no doubt about that. I think we have been fighting for pole positions and victories in recent races, although Red Bull, with its incredible level, is making things very difficult for us. If we manage to improve the car a little bit and our pace in the race and we manage to steal a couple of tenths of a second, we will be back in the fight to win, which is our objective”. 

Are you satisfied with your seven podiums and one victory so far this season? 

“That is a difficult question to answer. I think I’ve made good progress throughout the season. That first victory makes me feel very proud. Getting your first victory is very exciting for any driver, but I think the season has been a bit complicated, especially because at the beginning we had a bit of bad luck, with many zeros, so I dropped down in the table. It is true that after that I have been improving a lot, but there also have been other problems. I have had many podiums and a victory, so I can’t really complain”. 

About that first victory, how did you celebrate it? 

“It was an incredible podium at Silverstone, which also has some of the best fans of any location. As you can imagine there was a lot of champagne on the podium, but then, after a big drink of water to make up for all the sweating, I celebrated it with an Estrella Galicia 0,0. The whole team toasted with an Estrella Galicia 0,0. It was an amazing day.” 

Images of Carlos Sainz: Estrella Galicia 0.0.