Carlos Sainz does not believe the introduction of two mandatory stops in Monaco was beneficial to the Grand Prix.
The Spaniard managed to score a point at the Principality, though not without a very aggressive strategy from Williams.
Both Williams drivers, at different stages, took turns in driving exceptionally slowly to hold up the cars behind them – thus creating a big enough gap to make a stop without losing time.
Whilst this helped finish in the top 10, he is unhappy with how the race unfolded.
Williams and VCARB commit to extreme strategy
Heading into today’s Monaco GP, there was optimism that a mandatory two-stop race could create some strategic variety.
At a circuit that is often processional, this was seen as a chance to add some variety and jeopardy to the race.
Ultimately, the impact of this new rule for Monaco was not the desired one.
Almost immediately after the lights went out, VCARB’s Liam Lawson began going intentionally slowly.
This was an attempt to hold up the drivers behind and create a safe gap for teammate Isack Hadjar to stop.
When Hadjar came for his first stop – and indeed, his second – he left the pits in front of Lawson and comfortably in the points.
Because of this, the drivers behind Lawson had no choice but to lose several seconds per lap whilst VCARB executed their strategy.
Later in the race, with only 9th and 10th realistically on the table, Williams executed a similar strategy.
Sainz held up the pack to create a space for Albon to complete his two stops, before his teammate returned the favour later in the race.
At one point, tired of losing time behind the Williams, George Russell intentionally overtook Alex Albon off track – accepting he would receive a penalty in order to try and free himself from the train.
Though his efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, in many ways, this move summarised the Grand Prix.
Sainz unhappy with two-stop rule
As mentioned previously, there was some degree of openness to the introduction of two required pit-stops in Monaco before this weekend.
However, the reaction from drivers in the aftermath of the race has been anything but positive.
When speaking with the media, Carlos Sainz was honest about his analysis of how the Grand Prix unfolded.
“It was not something we thought we would have to do,” es.motorsport quotes him as saying.
“But it is something they did to us… so that’s how it was.
“It shows that two stops did not change anything, and the race is still very boring.
“I am very upset with this race, to be honest, and with the sport in general.
“Because we did not do a race, we did wat we wanted to.
“If they put a rule that it is prohibited to manipulate a race with a driver’s pace, then maybe yes [it will prevent this from repeating].
“Because in the end, you are manipulating the results.”
“Twenty years ago, for manipulating results you received lots of penalties…
“And how the races here in Monaco are manipulated all the time, and nothing happens.”
Main photo: Williams media gallery
