Sainz relieved to complete F1 Mexican GP after Japan, US first-lap exits

However the Spaniard was left frustrated by a lack of pace after he drove a lonely race from fifth on the grid to fifth at the flag, finishing 58 seconds behind winner Max Verstappen, and clear of team- mate Charles Leclerc.

From the start of the weekend it was apparent that Ferrari faced compromises on power unit performance at the high altitude circuit, and the team was left struggling behind both Red Bull and Mercedes.

“I think I drove a pretty good race, but…