Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz feels that the crash in which Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were involved in the 2021 Italian Grand Prix will represent a major topic of discussion between the drivers when the next briefing will take place.
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton made contact at Turn 2 on Lap 26 of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, with the Red Bull Racing driver ending up on top of the Mercedes car. Both drivers had to retire for the Grand Prix, as the Dutchman later received a three-place grid penalty for causing the accident, which he will have to take in the Russian Grand Prix.
Inevitably, the latest clash between the title contenders has let to a lot of reaction from the fans, media and also from the drivers.
Carlos Sainz feels the incident could have been avoided, but did not want to give further explanations as he wants the incident to be discussed amongst the drivers.
“I think it is always avoidable. I think two [drivers] don’t crash if one doesn’t want [to]. This is one that they are always fighting as tough as they have to fight for a championship. You’re more exposed to these kinds of incidents [in that scenario], like we’ve seen in the past. I guess it’s a natural thing in Formula 1, two guys that are fighting for the championship tend to collide more often than not. From my point of view, the accident is pretty clear. I’m not going to go into detail, I’m not going to give you my opinion because I feel like there’s going to be some talk [about it] in the next driver meeting.” – the Spanish driver explained at the end of the Italian Grand Prix.
Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, agrees that this kind of incident is not unusual in a battle for a title:
“It’s normal to see those types of accidents. They are fighting for a World Championship, and both want to win very badly, as I would if I was in their position. It’s understandable to see those types of fights, as you’ve probably seen and as we’ve seen in the past happening. I won’t comment on the crash [between Hamilton and Verstappen].” – the Monegasque driver concluded.
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