During the race, Sainz experienced a slow pit stop under a Virtual Safety Car period, which further hindered his chances of a better result. He ultimately finished sixth, while Leclerc secured second place and Ferrari’s second podium finish of the 2023 season.
Sainz expressed his frustration with Ferrari’s race management, feeling that his strong performance and adherence to the team game were not rewarded. However, Vasseur defended the team’s decision, stating that it was a pre-race strategy agreed upon by the team and drivers. The strategy aimed to utilize the DRS effect to build a gap to the cars behind and secure their positions behind the dominant Red Bull of Max Verstappen.
