Carlos Sainz, the Formula 1 driver, has unleashed a scathing attack on the Monaco Grand Prix, labeling it as a race tainted by “manipulation.” The Spanish driver expressed his disappointment in the tactics employed by Williams and VCARB, accusing them of orchestrating a slow-paced spectacle to exploit the mandatory two-stop rule.
Sainz’s frustration stemmed from the deliberate creation of gaps on the track by a slow-moving driver, resulting in double points finishes for both teams involved. His Williams teammate, Alex Albon, publicly apologized for the lackluster show put on for fans, acknowledging that they “put on a bad show for everyone.”
The controversy at the Monaco GP unfolded when VCARB and Williams strategically utilized the two-stop rule to their advantage by sacrificing one car’s pace to manipulate the race outcome. Despite securing respectable finishes, Sainz made it clear that he was not proud of the tactics employed and called for changes to prevent such incidents in the future.
The manipulation of the race did not sit well with Sainz and Albon, who both expressed their dismay at the necessity of resorting to such tactics. Sainz emphasized the need for the sport to uphold its integrity and ensure that manipulating race outcomes becomes a thing of the past.
The Monaco GP also saw Mercedes’ George Russell take matters into his own hands, receiving a drive-through penalty for bypassing the circuit to overtake Albon. Sainz acknowledged the frustration felt by Russell and echoed the sentiment that race manipulation should not be tolerated, especially in a setting like Monaco where overtaking opportunities are scarce.
As the fallout from the Monaco GP continues to unfold, Sainz and Albon’s candid remarks shed light on the challenges faced by drivers in a sport where strategic maneuvering can overshadow pure racing talent. The call for a reevaluation of race regulations and a commitment to fair competition resonates strongly in the aftermath of this controversial event.