The responsibility of being a Sainz in Spain.

Epicenter

It was impossible for the lead-up to this Grand Prix not to have Carlos Sainz at the center. Racing with a Ferrari in front of your own people is too much adrenaline for any mortal. In a championship divided between the protagonists Verstappen and Leclerc, this weekend the spotlight is on one of the supporting actors: Carlos Sainz. An immense attention that is enhanced by Fernando Alonso's lackluster qualification, not even surpassing Q1, and the fact that Carlos bears the most glorious surname in Spanish motorsport.

Local Hopes

Unfortunately, when it comes to the track, Sainz Jr. has not been able to match the local excitement with the pole position, and has seen how Leclerc has made it clear that he has the capabilities expected of a protagonist. The Monegasque chose not to risk his tires in Q1 and Q2 and give it his all in the final session. However, a spin in the chicane at the end of Q3 forced him to make a last-gasp attempt at setting a time. It is there, with the pressure of knowing that he could end up at the bottom and with his teammate's grandstand demanding that he prove if the flashes belong to him, where Leclerc has shown what he is made of, securing the most emotional pole of the season and proclaiming to the world that he has what it takes to be called a contender.

Grid for Tomorrow

Historic Challenge

Out of the last 31 editions of the Spanish GP, in 28 of them the winners started from the front row. This means that Leclerc and Verstappen have a 90% chance of leading the champagne shower on the Spanish podium today. Sainz Jr. is aiming for history from the third spot, hoping to break the logic. Is it possible? He has the car, his fans roar, and he knows the circuit. Three vital elements that fill the locals with hope of reliving that mythical victory in 2013 when Fernando Alonso, clad in the same scarlet flame-retardant suit, starting from fifth place managed to win in front of his own and defy the predictions. The challenge is not easy, but who says that being part of history has ever been easy. If Carlos has any doubts, he just needs to look at his dad's trophy shelf, where the two rally world titles and the three Dakar titles he won with the same surname that is now embroidered on his chest are displayed.