Sainz identifies key areas where Ferrari need to improve

Carlos Sainz has identified the key areas where Ferrari will improve for the 2023 Formula 1 season, after a disappointing season for the Italian team.

Red Bull consistently stayed ahead of Ferrari throughout the season, while Mercedes introduced late upgrades which eventually led to their first win in Brazil.

Sainz believes the team was "out-developed" by their rivals throughout the year, a key area he believes Ferrari will focus on for next season.

"We're going to focus on that and come back stronger as a team because we got out-developed by Red Bull and Mercedes and we were not exactly the best at executing races," he told media, including RacingNews365.com.

"I think if we improve these couple of areas, we can be very strong next year."

First half of the season 'trickier' than second, says Sainz

Despite earning three podiums in the first five races, it wasn't without incident as he suffered retirements at both the Australian and Emilia Romagna Grands Prix.

The Spaniard believes the first half was "tricky" as he got to grips with the F1-75, but still brands 2022 "special" due to earning his first win at the British Grand Prix.

"First half was a bit trickier, I did get my first win and that's just going to be a special season because of that, but I know I have a lot more potential than what I did this season."

Sainz says his understanding of the F1-75 is what led to more consistent results in the second half of the season.

He added: "My style and understanding the setup of the car is a lot better now in the second half instead of the first half, and this makes me a stronger driver."