# Carlos Sainz — 2023 season

Source: https://www.thef1formula.com/seasons/carlos-sainz-2023
Last updated: 2026-07-01

> Carlos Sainz's 2023 season with Scuderia Ferrari was characterized by a singular, strategically brilliant victory in Singapore amidst a challenging year for the team in the ground-effect era.

Carlos Sainz's 2023 Formula 1 season with Scuderia Ferrari was a study in adaptation and resilience, peaking with a strategic masterclass in Singapore that delivered the team's only victory in a year dominated by Red Bull.

## Going in

Heading into 2023, Ferrari had high expectations after showing flashes of pace in the previous year under the new ground-effect regulations. The SF-23, however, proved to be a more temperamental machine, particularly in its early guise. Sainz, known for his methodical approach and consistency, aimed to establish himself firmly within the team, building on his previous seasons. The competitive landscape was already defined by Red Bull's clear advantage, pushing Ferrari and other top teams to extract every ounce of performance from their packages.

## How it played out

The season began with a solid 4th place in Bahrain, but early consistency proved elusive. The Australian Grand Prix saw a post-race penalty drop him from a points finish to 12th, signaling some of the early-season frustrations. Sainz consistently battled in the top five through the initial European rounds, including a 5th in Miami and his home race in Spain where he started 2nd. However, the car's characteristics often made it difficult to maintain strong race pace against rivals, leading to finishes like 10th at Silverstone and 8th in Hungary. His DNF at Spa-Francorchamps due to collision damage further complicated his mid-season points haul. By the end of the year, Sainz had accumulated 200 points, securing 7th in the Drivers' Championship, with Scuderia Ferrari finishing 3rd in the Constructors' standings on the [Formula 1 — official site](https://www.formula1.com/en).

## Defining moments

Sainz's season truly ignited after the summer break. The Italian Grand Prix at Monza saw him claim pole position and then defend masterfully against the charging Red Bulls and his teammate, ultimately securing a hard-fought 3rd place podium. This performance was a precursor to his standout moment at the Singapore Grand Prix. Starting from pole position, Sainz executed a flawless race, strategically managing his tires and pace to secure his first and Ferrari's only victory of the season. His tactical use of DRS to aid Lando Norris in defending against the Mercedes cars was a testament to his race craft. Another podium followed at the United States Grand Prix, where he finished 3rd. However, the latter part of the season also brought challenges, including a DNF in Qatar due to a fuel leak before the race even began and an engine issue in the final race in Abu Dhabi, which saw him retire from 18th position.

## What it meant

Carlos Sainz's 2023 campaign demonstrated his capacity to perform under pressure and adapt to a challenging car. While the SF-23 was not a consistent front-runner, Sainz's ability to maximize its potential, particularly on circuits that suited its characteristics, was evident. His Singapore victory was a highlight, showcasing his strategic intelligence and tire management skills, reminiscent of the detailed analysis often applied to top-tier performances in Formula One, as documented on [Wikipedia: Formula One](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One). This season provided valuable data for Ferrari's ongoing development, just as historical performance metrics are tracked across seasons, for example, in resources like [Jolpica/Ergast — 2026 season data](https://api.jolpi.ca/ergast/f1/2026.json). Looking ahead, his consistent points scoring, despite the car's limitations, sets a benchmark for his future endeavors, much like how other Spanish drivers, such as [Fernando Alonso — 2024 season](/seasons/fernando-alonso-2024), continue to evolve their roles within the sport. This season underscored his value as a driver capable of delivering significant results when the opportunity arises, a trait that remains crucial in the ever-evolving landscape of F1, including discussions around [Fernando Alonso — 2025 season](/seasons/fernando-alonso-2025).