Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz apologises after criticising 'heroic' Austria F1 marshals

Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz has apologised for unintentionally criticising the ‘heroic’ marshals at the Red Bull Ring in the previous round of the 2022 Formula One championship in Austria.

After the race in Spielberg, the Spanish driver was asked about the moment his power unit failed and was forced to stop the car on the side, adding that the marshals were ‘too slow’ and indicated he would speak to the FIA on the matter. A few days later, the official safety team at the Red Bull Ring circuit wanted to respond and share their thoughts on the topic, referencing Jules Bianchi’s tragic 2014 accidentat and stated

“The FIA’s rules regarding recoveries and interventions on the track have been drastically tightened.”

Ahead of the 2022 French Grand Prix this weekend, Carlos Sainz wanted to clarify his statements: “I read the piece that came out. I can understand why they wrote it because what I said after the race would have felt like criticism. It didn’t intend at all to come out as criticism because I am the first one to speak very highly about marshals and the heroes they are and the way they volunteer in these kinds of situations and protect us. I never wanted to make it sound like a criticism to anyone. I just wanted to make sure it was analysed, to see where we can do better next time because it wasn’t a comfortable moment in the car.” – the Ferrari driver explained.

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After Carlos Sainz was forced to pull onto the escape road at the Red Bull Ring, the situation quickly escalated with the Ferrari driver unable to release the brake due to the incline, which made things difficult for marshals to take action. The Spanish driver acknowledged the explanation provided by the marshals and concluded: “It felt a bit hectic at the time, a bit messy. I saw the explanation, and maybe I will need to talk sometime with the FIA.”