The Singapore winner will begin the Suzuka race from sixth place, lining up two locations behind his team-mate Charles Leclerc.
Sainz stated that the data that the automotive is likely to be much less aggressive at Suzuka inspired him to attempt various things on set-up to be able to “problem” each himself and the automotive.
When that didn’t work he took a step again to a extra conservative strategy, however he conceded he was “distracted” by the swapping round and didn’t have sufficient time to get totally snug with the modifications.
“We knew earlier than coming right here that this monitor would expose us a bit extra,” stated the Spaniard.
“Most likely with the high-speed traits, but in addition the lengthy corners, excessive winds like we’re having as we speak, it was by no means going to be simple.
“I took the strategy yesterday and this morning to attempt various things on the automotive, attempt to change the steadiness fairly a bit, and take a look at various things on set-up to try to put the automotive a bit in a distinct place.
“By the point of quali I noticed that it was not fairly working, and we had to return to a extra primary set-up, which in the long run in all probability ended up compromising my quali preparation and my weekend usually.
“However I am pleased to attempt these issues, and now give attention to tomorrow, see if we are able to do an excellent race. I do not suppose we might have achieved far more as a result of truthfully the McLarens and the Pink Bulls this weekend, they give the impression of being one step faster.”
Carlos Sainz, Ferrari SF-23
Picture by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Relating to the gamble he took, he stated: “Some weekends, the place the automotive is weak, it is advisable problem your self, problem the automotive a bit and attempt to put it outdoors its regular window to see if you’ll find one thing. That is what I attempted this weekend.
“It undoubtedly did not assist, however I do not suppose it made my life too difficult. I additionally suppose Charles this weekend has been very fast and doubtless the unpredictability and the steadiness of the automotive being so difficult with the wind just isn’t serving to.”
Sainz instructed that whereas he had backtracked on the set-up experiments for Suzuka, he had gained helpful data for different races.
“Charles will need to have achieved an excellent lap,” he stated. “I did not get a clear sector one in my final lap, which in all probability accentuated a bit the distinction. For example he is been a tenth or two faster all weekend.
“And possibly me being a bit distracted making an attempt so many set-ups and by no means actually getting right into a rhythm did not assist. However it’s an strategy that I wished to take to study for the longer term circuits.”