Sainz Invokes 'Crashgate' Memory in Monaco GP 'Manipulation' Ban Call

Carlos Sainz has delivered a scathing assessment of Monaco Grand Prix tactics. The Williams driver made a veiled reference to Formula 1's infamous 'Crashgate' scandal while demanding action against race "manipulation."

The controversy stems from deliberate hold-up tactics employed by both Williams and Racing Bulls during Sunday's race.

For the first time at Monaco, drivers faced a mandatory two-stop requirement designed to create more excitement.

Strategic gaming replaces racing

The new rule created an unexpected opportunity for tactical manipulation.

Racing Bulls deployed Liam Lawson as a mobile roadblock, deliberately slowing the field to help teammate Isack Hadjar gain strategic advantage during pit stops.

Williams found themselves forced to respond with similar tactics. Sainz expressed his frustration at being dragged into what he viewed as unsporting behavior.

"We didn't expect Lawson to start holding up Hadjar so early in the race,"

Sainz told DAZN F1.

"That affected both our cars because we saw that if we kept going like that, we would lose points too."

Racing Bulls secured sixth and eighth place finishes for Hadjar and Lawson respectively, collecting 12 valuable championship points.

Williams also benefited with Alex Albon claiming ninth place and Sainz taking the final point in tenth. However, the Spanish driver took no satisfaction from the outcome.

Crashgate comparison draws sharp criticism

Sainz escalated his criticism by referencing one of Formula 1's darkest chapters. The 2008 Singapore Grand Prix 'Crashgate' scandal saw Renault orchestrate a deliberate crash to manipulate race results.

That incident resulted in severe penalties including team suspensions and individual bans.

Nelson Piquet Jr was ordered to crash deliberately, affecting the championship battle between Felipe Massa and Lewis Hamilton.

"Twenty years ago in F1, manipulating results led to many penalties, if you remember, without naming them,"

Sainz stated.

"But I don't know why back then it was overreacted as a horror for the sport, and now here in Monaco, the race is manipulated every day, and nothing happens."

The comparison highlights Sainz's view that current tactics represent a comparable form of result manipulation. He believes such strategies undermine competitive integrity.

Mandatory two-stop rule fails to deliver

The FIA introduced the mandatory two-stop requirement following last year's processional Monaco race.

A first-lap incident allowed most drivers to change tires under red flag conditions, creating a parade to the finish.

Formula 1 officials hoped the new rule would generate strategic variety and increase overtaking opportunities. Instead, teams found ways to exploit the regulation for tactical advantage.

"It shows that the two-stop strategy didn't change anything, and the race remains super boring,"

Sainz complained.

"And people are manipulating things like we did or like others did with the pace."

Despite Sainz's criticism, sources suggest Formula 1 leadership views the rule change positively. The regulation achieved its goal of creating different strategic approaches, even if the execution proved controversial.

Call for regulatory intervention

Sainz wants immediate action to prevent future manipulation at Monaco's challenging circuit.

He believes clear rules must prohibit deliberate pace management designed to affect competitor strategies.

"If they make a rule that says it's forbidden to manipulate the race by managing a driver's pace, then yes," he explained when asked about approaching the FIA.

The Williams driver admitted his reluctance to participate in such tactics. However, competitive necessity forced his hand when Racing Bulls gained advantage through similar methods.

"I hated going three seconds off my pace, but since Lawson did it to us and put us in P19 and P20 in the projected result, we had to do it ourselves."

Future implications for Monaco racing

Sainz predicts widespread adoption of these tactics unless regulatory intervention occurs.

He warns that teams will increasingly exploit strategic loopholes at Monaco's unique venue.

"In my opinion, either we create a rule to prevent this or all the teams will start doing it openly in Monaco," he concluded.

The debate highlights ongoing challenges in balancing competitive strategy with sporting integrity.

Monaco's tight confines and limited overtaking opportunities create unique tactical scenarios that test Formula 1's regulatory framework.