Both Toro Rosso drivers defended the choice of F1 drivers not to raise the issue of Max Verstappen's driving in today's Italian Grand Prix drivers' briefing, saying that most drivers do not have a problem with Verstappen's tactics.
There had been widespread expectation that Verstappen's driving and driving standards more generally would be discussed at length at the briefing, following last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix which contained many controversial incidents involving the Dutchman.
But Carlos Sainz said: "I think it was a very calm and collected briefing."
And he explained that aside from the Ferrari drivers – with whom Verstappen was involved in a first turn clash in Belgium – he did not think F1 pilots had a problem with Verstappen's driving, and this is why the issue was not raised.
"The problem is I think journalists [and] fans keep thinking us drivers have a problem with Max," the Spaniard explained. "And I don't have a problem with the driving of Max as he's done nothing wrong to me.
"Maybe Kimi [Raikkonen] has – I don't know, ask him – or Sebastian [Vettel].
"I think they discussed it between Sebastian, Kimi and himself, who were the only ones with a problem with Max, the others we had really no objections.
"The only problem I have is the FIA with the consistency of penalties."
When asked whether penalty consistency was discussed at the briefing, Sainz said: "No, but we did discuss it in Spa a lot, so we decided I think to give a rest to Charlie [Whiting]!
"We discuss it every weekend really."
Sainz's team mate Daniil Kvyat was more forthright about the briefing. "It was a quick one, there was not much bullshit this time," he said. "So it was just small, general things…we covered important points, it was enough.
"Whatever these kind of topics they don't touch me personally I don't think a thing. If someone at some point wants to touch me then I will speak…
"For me it's [the Verstappen issue is] none of my business."
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