Carlos Sainz hits out at ‘rival teams’ following push for his ‘unfair’ Las Vegas grid penalty. Carlos Sainz lashes out at ‘rival teams’ after push for Las Vegas grid penalty.

Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz didn’t mince words as he suggested that interference from opposing teams thwarted any chance of his grid penalty being lifted in Las Vegas.

While the Ferrari man secured a second-place finish in Las Vegas qualifying, putting his SF-23 car on the front row just behind his Maranello teammate, the Spaniard is set to start the race from 12th. This is a consequence of a 10-place grid penalty incurred for requiring a new chassis and engine after a dramatic practice incident.

During the first free practice session at the Las Vegas Strip circuit, just nine minutes into the session, Carlos Sainz’s SF-23 car suffered damage when a manhole cover with an exposed water valve lifted up due to the F1 cars. Despite being not at fault for the incident, attributed to the circuit not being prepared for use, Sainz received the standard grid penalty. The stewards cited the rulebook, stating that no dispensation was possible.

Expressing his discontent, the Spaniard addressed the media after the Las Vegas qualifying, sharing his disappointment with the handling of the situation.

“I think it speaks for itself, no? There was clearly a safety issue at the track – that safety issue destroyed my car. My mechanics have to invest five hours in putting together a completely new car and, on top of that, we get a 10-place grid penalty for something that we have nothing to do with. I’m just simply disappointed. At the same time, not surprised, because there have been many cases this year that I think this sport has proven that it can do things a lot better. I think I’m surprised that the governing body does have the power to, in cases of force majeure, let’s say, overrule a bit in this kind of situation where it’s so clear that is something that is completely out of the team’s control and completely out of the driver’s control. The rules, the governing body, the teams – I don’t know, I expected more from the sport in the situation.” – Carlos Sainz admitted.

The Ferrari man subtly suggested that the chance of receiving unanimous backing from the teams, which could have potentially aided his situation, was hindered by the fact that at least one team failed to express such support. The Spanish driver clarified that there was active lobbying from at least one opposing team for him to incur the penalty as per standard procedure.

“But, for some reason, there will be rival teams pushing for me to get a penalty which surprises me in a way,” Carlos Sainz added, without pointing out any specific teams – “In others, I’ve been in the sport for too long to understand that it’s business. There’s too much money involved in the finishing position in the Constructors’ or whatever for a team not to threaten to apply for a penalty for me. At the same time, as I said, not surprised. I’m extremely disappointed and honestly very upset with the whole situation, with the sport. I’m very upset, is the right word, and in a bad mood because I just expected more.” – he continued.

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While refraining from explicitly mentioning any names, it’s essential to highlight that Mercedes currently holds a 20-point advantage over Ferrari in the Constructors’ Championship, and there are two races remaining. Despite the denial from the Brackley-based team about advocating for Carlos Sainz to receive the standard penalty, the Spaniard attempted to maintain a positive team spirit after he and teammate Charles Leclerc secured the front row. However, he admitted that it was challenging to shake off the negative mood caused by the practice incident and its aftermath. Regarding his prospects starting from the 12th place grid slot, Sainz expressed optimism about making a comeback to the front.

“Let’s see. It depends on obviously how the start goes, how the graining on the tyres is. Then also how it is to overtake. I think the pace clearly looks like we have it this weekend. I would love to be fighting for the win tomorrow with Charles and Max but, unfortunately, I’m going to be on a comeback mode or a combat race and, hopefully, I get to the front at some point and battle with them. But I think it’s gonna be tricky.” – Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz concluded.