After back to back retirements in Australia and Imola, Carlos Sainz was back on the rostrum at the inaugural Miami Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver suffered a crash on Saturday during Free Practice 3 and it seemed likely to put him on the back foot for qualifying. Even so, the 27 year old set the second fastest time and lined up just behind his teammate, Charles Leclerc, on the grid.

“I was pretty happy with my qualifying,” said Sainz. “I managed to improve run after run and could fight for pole until the very last corner. The track is very tricky and after a couple of eventful Grand Prix it's good to be back on the podium and to have both cars up there for the team.”

During the race Sainz lost out to Max Verstappen on the run down towards Turn 1 and from that point on he tried his best to maintain his pace and keep the race leaders in sight. A late safety car offered some hope but the target was to hold off Sergio Perez rather than attack Verstappen for second.

“It was a solid race but also a very tough one. My neck is still not 100% after the FP3 crash and half way through the race it became a limitation. Defending from Perez who was on new tyres after the safety car was also very tough and the slightest mistake would have meant losing third position. I managed to fend him off well and the podium was the reward. I think I needed a race like this to reset a bit and build on it for the upcoming races. Up next is my home GP and we'll make sure we get there in the very best. Miami has been a unique weekend. Thanks to all the fans out there for their support!”

The Spanish Grand Prix is next on the calendar this Sunday, check out all the action LIVE on Digicel +, channel 309, ESPN Extra!