Sainz: We missed out on points because of blistering

Carlos Sainz has joined some of his fellow drivers in complaining about the Pirelli rubber brought to the Austrian Grand Prix. In the race, several drivers were forced to pit a second time after the compounds began blistering badly in the heat of the race.

It meant that the Renault driver missed out on points, and thanks to a dramatic failure for teammate Nico Hulkenberg on the start-finish straight, Renault failed to score points whilst their midfield rivals took full advantage to begin the chase for fourth in the constructor standings.

Sainz went on to finish twelfth in an anonymous race in which he also received a reprimand for contact with Ocon on the opening lap of the grand prix.

“We had a lot of blistering on our tyres today and we need to investigate why," he told media after the race.

“They degraded massively and a problem in the second pit-stop didn’t help either. We missed out on big points unfortunately.

“We have another opportunity next weekend to bounce back, and there will be a lot of preparation work in the build-up this week.

“There is no reason why we shouldn’t be up in the top ten again so I’m very positive for Silverstone.”