Carlos Sainz voices strong opinions on the Monaco Grand Prix strategies.
- Williams and Racing Bulls used hold-up tactics to secure points in Monaco.
- The two-stop rule in Monaco didn’t shake up the race as intended.
- Sainz compared this year’s tactics to the ‘Crashgate’ scandal.
- Sainz seeks a ban on manipulating races to improve fairness.
Carlos Sainz didn’t hold back his thoughts regarding the recent Monaco Grand Prix. He was particularly vocal about the tactics used by his own team, Williams, as well as Racing Bulls. Both teams employed hold-up strategies to secure points during the race. This involved one car intentionally slowing down the pack to allow the other to make strategic pit stops, ensuring finishes in the points. Racing Bulls saw their drivers, Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson, finish in P6 and P8, while Williams’ Alex Albon and Sainz himself finished in P9 and P10, respectively.
This strategy was a side effect of a new rule implemented by the FIA for this year’s race. The rule mandated that drivers make at least two pit stops, aimed at reducing the chances of processional races. However, instead of shaking up the competition, it seemed to encourage a different form of strategic manipulation, much to Sainz’s disappointment.
During a post-race interview, Sainz expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that the tactic defeated the purpose of racing. He mentioned that the two-stop strategy failed to add excitement, calling the race “super boring.” He voiced concern that races were being manipulated, drawing a parallel to the notorious ‘Crashgate’ scandal, where Renault used deceitful tactics for an advantage in 2008. Despite having to partake in similar tactics, Sainz lamented that these tricks undermined the integrity of the sport.
Sainz’s remarks underscore his call for regulatory changes to prevent such strategies. He was clear in his belief that blocking tactics should be banned to preserve the competitive nature of the sport, especially on a track like Monaco’s with its narrow and twisting layout. Reflecting on past instances, Sainz suggested that manipulating race results should be frowned upon now just as it was in the past. He firmly believes that if no actions are taken, these tactics might become the norm, further tainting the sport he holds dear.
Sainz hopes for rule changes to maintain the integrity of Formula 1 races.
