The Canadian GP has gotten off to a disappointing note, as the first practice session was cut short due to an unusual event. F1’s Twitter handle released a statement to confirm that since the CCTV was “not synced correctly,” they could not resume track action. Since a significant portion of the session was cut short as a result, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was caught having a nice nap.
With limited time available during the first practice session, only 12 drivers managed to register a lap time. And hence, in order to provide drivers and teams enough time to get their laps in, F1 revealed that 30 minutes will extend the second practice session.
The delay to FP1 will continue as the CCTV is not synced correctly and until the issue has been fixed track action can’t resume.
This system is a local installation and circuit management are continuing to work to resolve the problem.#CanadianGP #F1 (1/2)
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 16, 2023
The FIA have clarified a two-hour gap is required between FP1 and FP2.
FP2 will start at 1630 local time, 30 minutes earlier than previously scheduled, and run for 90 minutes.#CanadianGP #F1
— Formula 1 (@F1) June 16, 2023
This means that the session, which was supposed to begin at 17:00 local time, will now start at 16:30. It is pertinent to note that F1 cannot start the second practice session any earlier, as a minimum of a two-hour gap is required between sessions.
“Get him a blanket“: Carlos Sainz caught having a nap during FP1
Several fans such as Leema stated that Carlos Sainz sleeping during FP1 was their “favorite part” of the day.
Carlos sleeping will be my favourite part if the day
— Leema⁵⁵ (@Halyma221) June 16, 2023
Carlos Sainz sleeping is the highlight of free practice.
— C₅₅ 🇶🇦🇦🇪 (@Fe55ariCS) June 16, 2023
Meanwhile, some other fans such as Laila hilariously suggested that Sainz should be given a “blanket” at this moment.
Get him a blanket rn pic.twitter.com/ryx9bPwI2t https://t.co/9pOzy3rtWo
— Laila (@pitchili) June 16, 2023
The list of hilarious posts did not end there as another fan described how Sainz was sleeping. They stated that the Spaniard was sleeping comfortably in a “fetus position“.
They are in fetus position inside the cockpit and the constant engine sound is very soothing
— Maxxterclass (@maxxterclass) June 16, 2023
And then there were some other fans such as Aina who expressed concern for the Spaniard. They hoped that the Ferrari driver is “getting enough sleep“.
carlos almost falling asleep in the car..i hope dude’s getting enough sleep and doing good in general cause…. pic.twitter.com/IvlEmUEsTw
— aina (@violetchrry) June 16, 2023
Since limited action was seen on track during FP1, Sainz’s nap seemed to be the real highlight of the session. Sainz and the rest of the drivers will now look to regroup and get some decent laps in during FP2.
Sainz is optimistic ahead of the Canadian GP
Ferrari has had a difficult start to the 2023 season as they currently find themselves fourth in the Constructors’ Championship. The team’s poor form continued into the last race in Spain as they just scored 10 points thanks to Carlos Sainz’s fifth place.
Despite the Prancing Horse’s struggles recently, Sainz is optimistic ahead of the Canadian GP this weekend. “What we expect is that the package we brought in Barcelona to be able to exploit it a bit better. And also, we expect the circuit characteristics to suit us a bit better,” he explained (as quoted by formula1.com).
While Sainz stated that he expects Ferrari to perform better this weekend, he provided some worrying information as well. The Spaniard stated that the team still needs to improve their race pace significantly to fight Mercedes and Aston Martin.
