Carlos Sainz takes a sly dig at Mercedes over post-manhole cover chaos at Las Vegas GP

Ferrari and Mercedes are locked in a tight duel for the runner-up spot in the standings.

Carlos Sainz takes a sly dig at Mercedes over post-manhole cover chaos at Las Vegas GP

Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz (Via IMAGO)

The Las Vegas GP served up a thrilling spectacle filled with drama, controversy, and a touch of cheekiness from Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. Despite facing an unfair penalty that saw him start from the back, Sainz not only navigated the challenging race but also finished ahead of the very critics who sought to penalize him.

The controversy surrounding Sainz’s weekend began during FP1 when he ran over a loose drain cover, necessitating Ferrari to replace crucial components and incurring a hefty 10-place grid penalty. The penalty raised eyebrows across the paddock, prompting all teams, except one, to sign a petition for its revocation. The lone dissenter, surprisingly, was Mercedes.

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Toto Wolff, Mercedes’ team principal, expressed frustration during the post-race press conference, defending the sport against questions about negative publicity. In a passionate outburst, Wolff exclaimed, “We’re talking about a f*cking manhole cover.” The team also pushed for Sainz’s penalty when all other teams opposed it. Sainz’s response after the race was laced with irony as he declared:

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I'm very happy to finish ahead of those who wanted me to be penalized.

It was a subtle yet pointed jab at Mercedes, the team that abstained from supporting the petition to overturn his penalty. The comment underscored Sainz’s resilience and determination to prove his worth on the track despite adversity.

Ferrari narrows the gap to Mercedes in the standings, setting up a thrilling finale for the runner-up position

The Las Vegas GP, overall, was a triumph for Ferrari. Charles Leclerc secured a commendable 2nd-place finish, with only Max Verstappen ahead of him. Sainz, despite starting from the back, showcased remarkable skill to finish 6th, even outperforming both Mercedes cars, piloted by Lewis Hamilton and George Russell, who finished 7th and 8th, respectively.

Carlos Sainz chasing Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at the Japanese GP
Carlos Sainz chasing Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at the Japanese GP (Credits: Planet F1)

The championship dynamics have now taken an intriguing turn. With Ferrari scoring 26 points in Las Vegas, they find themselves just 4 points behind Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship. The stage is set for a nail-biting season finale in Abu Dhabi, where both teams will go all out to secure the crucial 2nd place.

As the season concludes, the battle between Mercedes and Ferrari intensifies. Historically strong in Abu Dhabi, Mercedes faces a resurgent Ferrari team with momentum. The question on every fan’s mind is whether Ferrari can surpass Mercedes in the last race of the season, and the comments section is buzzing with anticipation and predictions.

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