Carlos Sainz has urged the FIA to look into why it took so long for him to be placed ahead of Sergio Perez during Formula 1’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Sainz pitted when the Safety Car was deployed following Nicholas Latifi’s accident and was ahead of Perez – who was on track – when they crossed the pit exit control line.
But due to the configuration of the complex Perez retained the position at Sainz’s expense.
Their order remained the same for the following four laps behind the Safety Car until Perez ceded the position a few corners into the restart.
“The Safety Car line with Checo, I think this is a number one priority now,” said Sainz.
“We need to talk with the FIA as basically Checo lost the opportunity to fight with me on the restart and I lost the opportunity to fight with Max [Verstappen], for not giving up the position in the Safety Car.
“We had a lot of laps to do it, the FIA didn’t allow us, and for the sake of racing and Formula 1 these kinds of things need to happen quicker and need to happen more efficiently.”
Sainz’s viewpoint was backed up by Ferrari team boss Mattia Binotto.
“It took a bit too long I believe from them to decide and give that to the stewards, and they took the decision when the Safety Car was coming in and it was too late to give it for the restart,” said Binotto.
“It’s not a blame but I think that the time we need to speed up as it was obvious and straightforward and could have been done differently, and important to have do it differently.
“It would have been a lot more fair and equitable to swap the position before the restart because that was the right position to have.”
Perez gave position right after the green flag…what’s Carlos complaining about? By rule you cannot pass another car under a safety car unless you’ve been allowed to unlap yourself.
It’s refreshing to see Sainz advocating for quicker decisions in the heat of competition. It’s crucial for the integrity of the race and to prevent any unnecessary chaos. Swift action from race control can make all the difference, especially in tight battles like the one with Perez. I hope this sparks a conversation about improving communication and protocols in future races!
It’s about time someone addressed the need for faster decision-making in these situations! Sainz raises a valid point; the delays can lead to unnecessary confusion and impact the race’s outcome. Swift decisions would not only enhance the racing experience but also maintain the integrity of the sport. Looking forward to seeing if the FIA takes action!
It’s interesting to see Sainz pushing for quicker decisions in situations like the late Perez swap. It definitely highlights the need for clear communication and fast action in such high-pressure environments. I’m curious to see how this will shape team strategies moving forward!
Great insights! I completely agree with Sainz’s perspective on the need for quicker decision-making in these situations. It really affects the flow of the race and can change the entire dynamic for teams. Let’s hope the FIA considers this feedback moving forward!
Carlos makes a great point! Swift decisions are crucial in Formula 1, especially when it comes to team dynamics and strategy. It’s interesting to see how late swaps can impact race outcomes and driver morale. Looking forward to seeing how teams adapt in the future!
Carlos raises a valid point! In a sport like F1, where every second counts, it’s crucial for teams and officials to communicate and make quick decisions. Late swaps can disrupt strategy and momentum, and transparency is key for fairness. Let’s hope the teams take his recommendations to heart!
It’s about time someone voiced the need for quicker decisions in F1! The late swap situation really highlights how crucial timing is in the sport. Sainz’s insights shed light on the chaos that can unfold and how it affects strategy. It’s something the teams and FIA need to address to keep the competition fair and exciting.
It’s about time someone spoke up! The delays in decision-making often affect the teams and drivers significantly. Sainz’s call for quicker resolutions is spot on; it’s crucial for maintaining competitive integrity in the sport. Looking forward to seeing how the teams and FIA respond!
It’s refreshing to see Sainz pushing for quicker decision-making! The late swap really throws a wrench into the race dynamics. Clear and timely communication is essential for fair competition. Excited to see how this develops!