Carlos Sainz claims Oscar Piastri’s rookie mistake on lap one cost him the race at the Belgian GP

Carlos Sainz hinted at Oscar Piastri's lack of experience for the first-lap collision at the Belgian GP.

Carlos Sainz claims Oscar Piastri’s rookie mistake on lap one cost him the race at the Belgian GP

Carlos Sainz (image via Formulapedia), Oscar Piastri (image via Japan Posts English)

Carlos Sainz had a disappointing result at the Belgian GP. The Spanish driver contacted McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in the first corner, ending the race for the Australian driver. While Sainz suffered heavy damage on the right sidepod of his car and soon retired his car. Now, the Ferrari driver has spoken about this collision after the race.

Sainz mentioned that he did not suffer from a poor start after the five red lights went out. The Spanish driver failed to overtake the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton and locked up. This caused the Ferrari to collide with Piastri, who was squeezed out at Turn 1. He said, “I didn’t have a bad start, I tried to overtake Hamilton and I had a lock-up, then there was the contact with Oscar.”

https://youtube.com/watch?v=pWvt8xlMDfk

The Spanish driver hinted that it was a rookie move made by the McLaren driver. As Carlos Sainz believed that veteran drivers would stay away from making such a move in the tight first corner at Spa-Francorchamps. Although, the Ferrari driver did not want to blame the Australian. Sainz explained, “It was very unfortunate. I think more experienced drivers know that you don’t go for the inside in Spa, but I don’t want to blame him too much.”

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Carlos Sainz has a disappointing end to the Belgian GP

Oscar Piastri squeezed out by Carlos Sainz at the start of the Belgian GP (Credits: @F1/Twitter)
Oscar Piastri was squeezed out by Carlos Sainz at the start of the Belgian GP (Credits: @F1/Twitter)

Sainz and Piastri were the only two drivers to retire from the Belgian GP. The Spanish driver could have fought for the final podium spot at Spa-Francorchamps after teammate Charles Leclerc finished P3. However, that was not meant to be, with Sainz having no choice but to head into the summer break with a disappointing race.

The Spanish driver had finished P4 in the F1 Sprint on Saturday behind the Alpine of Pierre Gasly. As such, Carlos Sainz will head home with an addition of 5 points to his tally. Ferrari is only a few points behind Aston Martin in the battle for third place in the Constructors’ standings. Although, Sainz would be looking for a better result once the F1 paddock reconvenes at Zandvoort.

Thus, Carlos Sainz has hinted at Oscar Piastri’s lack of experience as the potential cause for the first-lap incident. Though, Sainz made it clear that he did not want to blame the rookie driver. As such, it seems the Spanish driver has made peace with this unfortunate DNF. The Ferrari driver is heading into the month-long summer break with a calm mindset.

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