P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz has criticised the growing trend of F1 drivers deliberately backing off the pace to control the outcome of races, saying it’s becoming “too easy” to manipulate results at Monaco.
Carlos Sainz criticized the practice of Formula 1 drivers intentionally slowing down to influence race outcomes, calling it too easy to manipulate results at Monaco. The 2025 Monaco Grand Prix saw a new rule requiring two pit stops to increase strategic racing on the iconic track. However, this rule inadvertently led to drivers deliberately driving slow to help teammates. Liam Lawson held up competitors to assist his teammate, sparking frustration among other teams like Williams. Sainz himself resorted to similar tactics, slowing down the pack to benefit his teammate Albon, ultimately securing a 10th place finish, but with a bitter aftertaste. Sainz emphasized the need for anti-manipulation rules in the sport to prevent such tactics from influencing race results blatantly.
