May 4, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Williams driver Carlos Sainz (55) during the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

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“Race is Manipulated”- Carlos Sainz Disapproves Monaco GP 2025!

Carlos Sainz compares Formula 1 racing in Monaco to Crashgate scandal

May 4, 2025; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Williams driver Carlos Sainz (55) during the F1 Miami Grand Prix at Miami International Autodrome. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Carlos Sainz is among the many drivers who came under fire at the Monaco Grand Prix. Sainz was at a disadvantage starting the race out of Top-10. But, the Williams was able to find his way into the top-10 as the race went on. Carlos Sainz’s racing became one of the points of discussion throughout the race.

This time, he was not being appreciated for being fast and overtaking, instead he was being frowned upon for being slow. Carlos Sainz was following strict team orders throughout the race. His efforts with Alex Albon did earn his team three points. But, this time the race ticked off Carlos Sainz the wrong way. He was on the podium at the 2024 Monaco GP.

Reflecting on Monaco and looking ahead to Barcelona with Alex and Carlos 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/3rDRN1YtTv
— Atlassian Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) May 27, 2025

The former Ferrari driver did not like driving slow in Monaco one bit. In the latter half of the race he also gave his all trying to Chase the Racing Bulls in front of him. Unwillingly, Sainz had to swap back with his teammate acting under team orders.

Carlos Sainz Compares the Monaco GP with “Crashgate” Scandal

Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon were laggin behind the Racing Bulls throughout the race. James Vowles agreed that their entire strategy was in ruins. Thus, the Williams team resorted what F1 teams do the best- Copy. Almost instantly, Vowles gave clear instructions to his drivers.

The Racing Bulls were using Liam Lawson as a sacrifice for Hadjar’s race. Liam drove slow and gave his teammate a 21s gap to complete his mandatory pit stops. The Williams were unable to finish even one stop at this stage.

Carlos Sainz referenced 2008's Crashgate in a damning indictment of the Monaco GP.

Read more here: https://t.co/wzRbKHPfQo #CarlosSainz #F1 #MonacoGP pic.twitter.com/PCWrzEiNQB
— PlanetF1 (@Planet_F1) May 27, 2025

Carlos Sainz had one simple task- drive slow and create a gap. Sainz was quite brilliant at this as he held back a train of cars behind. Next, his teammate did the same for him.

Carlos Sainz did manage to gain a point with this strategy. However, the Spaniard did not appreciate this new strategy. In his post-race interview, a fuming Sainz wanted F1 to put an end to these shenanigans. In his defence, he did not start the slow pace game although, he is as guilty for slowing down the race.

Carlos Sainz Jr.

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I work as a Writer at The Playoffs specialising in NHL, Formula 1 and Motorsports. I got into online journalism a couple of years ago. I used to be an intern for a website managing their Formula 1 content and then I served an entire year as a contractual writer.