Sainz explains incident with Ocon in Monaco: “Two cars don’t fit on this track. It’s too narrow nowadays”. Carlos explains incident with Ocon.

Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz was involved in a contact with Esteban Ocon during the 2023 Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix that could have ended badly. In another forgettable weekend for the Maranello team, the Spanish driver, starting fourth, tried to battle with the Alpine driver for third position in Monte Carlo.

The contact between Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon livened up the Monaco Grand Prix a bit, but without further consequences. The Ferrari driver made contact with his opponent and damaged his front wing, but was still able to continue the race.

Explaining the dynamics of the minor incident, Carlos Sainz stated in a post-race interview: “I tried. But [Ocon] braked right in the middle of the track. I had no space on the left or on the right.” – the Ferrari man pointed out.

There were no complications for the drivers, but Carlos Sainz complained about the track not being suitable for overtaking: “I’m glad nothing happened, but this incident shows two cars don’t fit on this track. It’s too narrow nowadays.” – the Spaniard explained after the Monaco Grand Prix.

During the race, Carlos Sainz complained about the pit stop that didn’t allow him to stay ahead of Esteban Ocon. His team radio was quite agitated, and the Spanish driver clarified that it was due to “a lot of adrenaline. The first pit stop surprised me. I was on the hard tires, and I thought I could extend the stint to try and overtake Ocon.”

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The Ferrari strategy, which also compromised the race of Carlos Sainz’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, was justified by Frederic Vasseur. The team principal explained that they took the risk by keeping both cars out. However, when the rain arrived, it was too late to bring the two red cars in because the Mercedes cars had positioned themselves ahead by playing it ahead of time.