Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz Jr. says his Formula 1 race start at the Belgian Grand Prix was one of the best of his racing career.
The Spaniard made up seven places on the opening lap, benefitting from several incidents, but he ran over debris and picked up a puncture.
The tyre failed on the Kemmel Straight, before he spun at Les Combes and pulled off to retire from the race a few corners later.
Sainz was frustrated about his early lap two retirement, especially after such a strong start, but he has vowed to keep fighting.
“How frustrating to have to retire from the race because of a puncture,” he said. “I did one of the best starts of my life and by the end of the first lap I had gained seven positions and was racing in P7.
“But I then went over some debris from other cars at the start of my second lap and the tyre ended up exploding after Eau Rouge.
“It definitely wasn’t the best moment of my life, especially after doing such a good start! It’s frustrating to have to end the race like this, but I will keep fighting and forget today as quickly as possible.”
