Miami Grand Prix Recap: Sainz Concedes Position to Albon Amid Floor Damage
In a gripping Miami Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz managed to maintain his composure despite a team order dispute with Alex Albon, who overtook him mid-race. Albon, who initially lost his position to Sainz, recovered to secure a commendable fifth place, showcasing the pace of the Williams car throughout the event.
Sainz, hindered by floor damage, ultimately finished ninth. He articulated that the weekend’s operational missteps forced him to start on worn tires, putting him at a competitive disadvantage. “I knew it was going to put us on the back foot, losing a couple of tenths per lap,” Sainz explained. The Spaniard detailed an early incident with Albon that led to his damage, which affected his performance.
Following Albon’s advancement, Sainz noted that he was instructed to maintain his position. “I feel a bit powerless when you’re told you’re not going to be attacked, and then to be overtaken feels frustrating,” he said, emphasizing the complexity of such communications during a race.
Sainz also engaged in notable battles with his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, but struggled to maintain pace due to the compromised downforce from his damaged car. He expressed a realistic perspective on the challenges faced during the race, saying, “Too many things going on,” indicating a need to address the issues in future races.
In a tense final lap, Sainz attempted to overtake Lewis Hamilton, resulting in minor contact. Post-race, he shared his views on the incident, suggesting that Hamilton’s reaction was unexpected and raised questions about track conduct during high-stakes moments. “If you apply the rulebook to the letter, you cannot move under braking,” he noted, but acknowledged the context of the situation.
As Sainz reflects on the race, he remains optimistic, stating, "We’ll come out of it better as a team.” The results from Miami will serve as a benchmark for both Sainz and the Ferrari team as they aim to improve performance in the upcoming races.
