MEXICO CITY – Outgoing Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz couldn’t assist however really feel combined feelings as he claimed pole because the group’s surge of kind continued in Mexico.

Sainz, who will make manner for Lewis Hamilton subsequent yr, turned in two beautiful Q3 laps to beat Max Verstappen by 0.2s for his sixth F1 profession pole.

Ferrari has emerged as a constructors’ championship contender these days, with Charles Leclerc profitable the Italian Grand Prix in September and main a one-two in Austin final week.

Sainz mentioned that new actuality made it a troublesome feeling to course of.

Requested how candy it felt to probably log off his Ferrari tenure on a excessive, Sainz mentioned: “Very candy, given how good the automobile is, how effectively I am driving not too long ago, it is rather optimistic going into the final 5 races.

“On the identical time [it is] bittersweet as a result of it offers me the sensation that Ferrari may be within the combat for the world championship subsequent yr and I will not be there to make use of it. I really feel like I’ve been fairly a giant a part of this group through the 4 years attempting to organize the group to combat for that championship subsequent yr, you already know?

“The truth that I am driving effectively, being quick with the automobile, and I am leaving in 5 races, leaves me a bit… I do not know easy methods to say it, however not with an excellent feeling. However it’s what it’s.

“I will attempt to win extra races, stand on the rostrum for so long as I can for these 5 races, get pleasure from that, after which we are going to take into consideration subsequent yr.”

Ferrari are third within the constructors’ championship 48 factors behind leaders McLaren, with Pink Bull solely forward by eight factors.

Max Verstappen and Lando Norris begin between Sainz and his teammate Charles Leclerc, however are locked right into a combat in F1’s different championship, the drivers’ title race.

Sainz hopes that battle may assist him consoliate his lead down the long term to Flip 1.

“Comparatively assured as a result of I do know my race tempo ought to be good tomorrow. Most likely the largest troublesome factor would be the run down into Flip 1 and beginning pole with the slipstream. I believe you may nonetheless defend, you may nonetheless make it stick into Flip 1, beginning pole, and that can be my aim tomorrow.

“I simply want to ensure I do a very good zero to 100, which is an important factor if you begin on pole, simply ensure you do a very good bounce. From there, clearly do one of the best I can to defend. I’ve two guys behind combating for fairly necessary issues tomorrow and the run right down to Flip 1 ought to be attention-grabbing. I’ve clearly much less to lose in that sense and I’ll attempt and ensure I hold P1.”