P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Leclerc: Sainz “over the limit” with defence in F1 Chinese GP sprint race
In a DRS train behind Fernando Alonso, a fierce battle unfolded when Sainz attacked the Aston Martin driver around the outside of Turn 7, leading to further involvement from Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc. Alonso suffered a puncture in contact with Sainz, with both drivers veering wide after a series of clashes, allowing Perez to make a decisive move. The race saw an all-Ferrari incident at the Turn 14 hairpin, sparking post-race discussions over team radio about the level of competition between the drivers. Leclerc expressed concerns about Sainz’s aggressive defending tactics during the Chinese GP sprint, noting the need for a discussion to clear the air. Sainz, on the other hand, acknowledged the intensity of the race and expressed willingness to apologize if his maneuvers were deemed excessive, citing tire damage and a challenging fight with Alonso as contributing factors. Alonso reflected on the battle, emphasizing the fine line between aggressive racing and avoiding contact, noting that in the sprint race, accumulating points is crucial. Both Sainz and Alonso faced an investigation for their Turn 7 clash, pending review by the stewards ahead of Chinese GP qualifying.
