Carlos Sainz refuses to take blame for collision with Sergio Perez at Azerbaijan GP

Carlos Sainz shared his opinions over the massive crash with Sergio Perez in the ending stages of the Azerbaijan GP.

Carlos Sainz refuses to take blame for collision with Sergio Perez at Azerbaijan GP

Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz (Via: Imago, X/formuladirecta, screenshot)

Ferrari showed promising pace during the Azerbaijan GP. Charles Leclerc started from pole position with Carlos Sainz also in contention for the podium. However, disaster struck as Sainz collided with Sergio Perez in the closing stages of the race. Now, the Spanish driver has expressed his thoughts over the incident.

Carlos Sainz and Sergio Perez were battling for the final spot on the podium on Lap 50 of the Azerbaijan GP. Perez’s Red Bull dragged Sainz into the barriers, ending the race for both drivers. The Ferrari driver made it clear that he was not at fault for the crash as he did not understand what he might’ve done wrong.

I am convinced that I didn't do anything wrong.
Carlos Sainz said post-race
YouTube video

Sainz admitted that it was an unfortunate way to end a promising weekend in Baku as fans hoped to see the Ferrari driver on the podium. The 30-year-old highlighted that he was relieved to see that he and Perez were okay after the crash.

FS Video
Honestly, a very unfortunate ending. I am glad that myself and Checo are okay.
Carlos Sainz stated

Fred Vasseur yet to review Carlos Sainz’s crash

Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur highlighted that he was yet to review the crash between Sainz and Perez. However, the Frenchman reckoned that the two drivers were going after the slipstream, which made the two cars come extremely close. Vasseur made it clear that he would not make comments on the incident before thoroughly going through the footage.

Fred Vasseur (L), Carlos Sainz (R) (images via IMAGO).
Fred Vasseur (L), Carlos Sainz (R) (Via: Imago)
I did not review the crash, but I had the feeling that they both chasing the slipstream, which meant they were almost touching before, but let me have a look at the crash before I make a comment.
Fred Vasseur said post-race

Certainly, Carlos Sainz will be disappointed to leave Baku without a podium for the Scuderia. Nevertheless, Ferrari seemed to be right behind McLaren in the pecking order this weekend. As such, Maranello could become an outside threat for the world title in the remaining races.