Carlos Sainz against red flag "tricksters": harsher penalties for those who cause them intentionally

Carlos Sainz against red flag “tricksters”: harsher penalties for those who cause them intentionally. Carlos Sainz asks for harsher penalties for those who intentionally cause red flags.

Scuderia Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz believes there should be harsher penalties for those who intentionally cause red flags. There have been many so-called “tricksters” over the decades in Formula 1 – some more obvious than others.

During the Monaco weekend, which is a street circuit, interruptions of all kinds are common: from sessions to qualifying and the race. It’s a real disruption for drivers who have to go for a lap, or worse, qualify to move from one stage to another and aim to be at least in the top 10.

Carlos Sainz had already highlighted this issue in the past and reiterated it on the eve of the Monaco Grand Prix: “There have been very evident cases on street circuits where, among us drivers, we have identified people who caused red flags on purpose,” said the Ferrari driver during media day on Thursday ahead of the race weekend in Monte Carlo.

“Perhaps the FIA wasn’t so convinced that they did it on purpose, because as drivers we know what is done intentionally or not. It will be interesting to see what approach they will take this weekend,” continued the Spaniard.

Carlos Sainz indirectly urged the FIA to take note: it’s all well and good, including “the good of the show,” but at some point, fairness must also be considered. The #55 driver hopes that everything goes well, “without taking unnecessary risks.”

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Not only Carlos Sainz: which drivers are calling for stricter penalties
Supporting Carlos Sainz’s request is also Esteban Ocon. The Frenchman informed the media that the FIA is addressing it and will try to evaluate case by case, applying the right rules. George Russell and Max Verstappen have also joined Carlos Sainz’s proposal, with the Dutchman calling it “a good idea.”