Carlos Sainz Reveals Shocking F1 Fear After Monaco Manipulation

Carlos Sainz has voiced his concerns about future trends in Formula 1 following chaotic scenes at the recent Monaco Grand Prix. After a new mandatory two-stop pit rule was introduced at the race in Monaco, teams quickly searched for tactical advantages.

Racing Bulls directed Liam Lawson to deliberately slow down the pack, giving Isack Hadjar a clear track to complete both of his pit stops without dropping too far back. Williams then used a matching strategy, with Sainz himself slowing the field so Alex Albon could create a running gap and secure precious points for the team.

Following these events, Sainz publicly warned that such plans could soon become more common in Formula 1. He expressed to the media that teams may get even more comfortable manipulating race outcomes through team orders, especially in efforts to secure double points finishes.

Sainz explained that while only the top 10 cars score points (see the official Formula 1 points system), teams will likely ask one driver to back up rivals to give their teammate an advantage, as seen in Monaco when Albon benefited from the move. Sainz, who currently drives for Williams, reflected on how the Monaco Grand Prix’s tension has changed.

In earlier years, the race would only see one major strategic moment, but the latest event highlighted a pattern of orchestrated manipulation that could reshape racing tactics. He argued that this issue extends beyond slow driving or defensive racing, signaling a shift in team cooperation to engineer results within the rules but sometimes far from the spirit of true competition.

Traditionally, the FIA has enforced strict penalties for clear cases of race manipulation, with teams facing repercussions if found guilty of rigging outcomes. However, at Monaco, the slow pacing and tactical maneuvers were permitted under current FIA sporting regulations.

Sainz fears this may set a precedent, encouraging teams to continue exploiting grey areas unless new rules address these scenarios directly.

The repercussions from Monaco have sparked deeper conversations in the paddock, especially ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.

The debate now includes not only the two-stop rule but also technical directives that could change racing strategy. Drivers, teams, and fans all await the official response as the season continues to unfold, knowing that any changes could dramatically impact on-track action and championship battles.

Looking at the current standings, McLaren is leading the Constructors’ table with 319 points, followed by Mercedes at 147, and Red Bull at 143. Drivers like Oscar Piastri (161 points), Lando Norris (158), and Max Verstappen (136) are setting the pace.

Sainz and Albon are both scoring consistently for Williams, which sits at 54 points in the tally. Ahead, the focus for F1 will be to review the events at Monaco and evaluate if rule adjustments are required to safeguard sporting integrity.

The next test will come quickly, as the Spanish Grand Prix is scheduled for June 1 (see the 2025 Formula 1 calendar), with drivers and strategists under even more scrutiny as the 2025 season picks up speed.